Quirky artists’ Reservoir cottage hits market for the first time as developers circle

Story by Jayitri Smiles as featured in Preston Leader 
https://www.realestate.com.au/news/quirky-artists-reservoir-cottage-hits-market-for-the-first-time-as-developers-circle/?rsf=syn:news:nca:ld:spa

The four-bedroom home at
26 Elliot St Reservoir

A PECULIAR Reservoir cottage built by two artists has hit the market for the very first time, with developers circling the much-loved corner block.

Painter Ron Rodrigo and his wife Sonya spent countless hours designing the one-of-a-kind home at 26 Elliot St, which they hoped would not be torn down in the future.

The couple, now deceased, purchased the land in 1960 and created the colourful residence that is now headed to auction.

The colourful kitchen inside the 1960s home.

The entire home was built and designed by painter Ron Rodigo and his wife Sonya.

The corner block is now heading to auction on September 15.

Unique additions to the home include blue and gold painted ceilings, bright wallpaper that changes in every room and a mosaic garden floor mural. Another quirk includes floorboards covered in permanent marker to make them look like cobblestones.

Daughter-in-law Gillian Manning said Mrs Rodrigo, who died this year aged 80, treasured the property more than anything else.

“Every time you’d visit she’d tell you something else she’d done to the home,” she said.

“It was always colourful— a little overwhelming— but a delightful and warm place that you could tell was loved.”

The home in 1961, before the couple put artistic touches on the property. Picture: Supplied.

Sonya Rodrigo with her granddaughter in the home’s backyard. Picture: Supplied.

Ms Manning said it was sad to think the home could soon be demolished by developers.

“We would all love if it didn’t get torn down, that was Sonya’s dream,” she said.

“We hope that somebody buys the home and makes it their own, as there’s nothing else like it in the area,” she said.

Each bedroom has different patterned wallpaper and colour schemes.

The home’s maze-like backyard had many “hidden delights”, Ms Manning said.

The corner block has been eyed by developers.

Ray White Reservoir agent Val Micevski said investors were eyeing the 669sq m block, which could be subdivided for townhouses.

“Nothing would make me happier than finding young buyers who love the soul of this home instead of a developer,” he said.

Mr Micevski said two groups had shown interest because they loved its individuality.

The property will go to auction on September 15 with a price guide of $750,000-$825,000.