PM "Black Jack" McEwen's former Toorak home for sale

A grand 1930s Toorak residence which became the home of then Country Party Prime Minister Sir John "Black Jack" McEwen has been listed for sale.

It last sold at $2.6 million in 2003.

The home, at the corner of Orrong Road and Montalto Avenue, has a grand reception hall with formal entertaining rooms to each side.

The four bedroom home with arched windows, ceiling roses and fireplaces, also has two studies.  There is a swimming pool in the garden designed by Paul Thompson.

More than $4 million is expected by Marshall White's Marcus Chiminello who will auction 679 Orrong Road on 21 March.

John McEwen and his first wife, Annie, bought the house in 1956. It was sold by his second wife, Mary, in 1989 following his death in 1980.

He was the country's 18th prime minister from 19 December 1967 to 10 January 1968 following the death of PM Harold Holt, who lived elsewhere in Toorak.

Prior to this "Black Jack" McEwen had been leader of the Country Party and deputy prime minister for nine years.

John McEwen handed the prime ministerial baton to John Gorton, who quit the Senate for the seat of Higgins, while keeping his home at Narrabundah in the ACT.

McEwen is recognised for his work on tariff policies, which were established in the 1950s to safeguard Australian industry.

There are city views from an upstairs bathroom and two of the bedrooms, each with an ensuite.