Aloha! Reece plumbing family's former Elsternwick home on the market

Aloha, a Spanish Mission-style Elsternwick home built by the Reece plumbing family has been listed for sale with a $2,395,000 asking price.

Built in the mid 1920s, the home is described as Miami-style. It comes with the first Italian mosaic tiles imported into Australia in the downstairs powder room.

A restoration maintained the many glamous features from the era, including its classic terrazzo porch, the lead light windows and doors, Degue-designed light fittings and a copper Arts and Crafts fireplace.

Aloha is etched above the covered carport at the three bedroom St Georges Road address which has been restored since last sold at $480,000 in 1998.

Its first floor was originally built as a dance studio, which is now two bedrooms, a living area, kitchenette, bathroom and a terrace balcony for entertaining.

Rodney Morley and Rochelle Butt at Rodney Morley Real Estate have the listing. There have only been three owners with the Reece family selling in 1974 for $444,500.

The company was created by Harold Reece who sold plumbing products from the back of his truck. His first store was in nearby Caulfield with the company now having more than 450 outlets nationally.

This article first appeared in The Weekend Australian.