Massive Toorak property the perfect auction venue

The massive, picturesque grounds and mansion at 659-663 Orrong Road, Toorak are a perfect setting for Kim’s Auctions latest sale – from 11am Sunday October 23.

The multi-million dollar property has already been sold and the 750 auction lots (all of which must be sold) include a comprehensive range of English and French furniture, paintings by some of Australia’s best-known artists and several unusual collectables.

One of these is a full-size taxidermy Indy Blue peacock – up for grabs along with an ornamental cockerel and exotic birds of paradise in an antique dome.

Rare and important is the pair of 12-inch diameter floor library globes dated 1910.

Produced by W.&A.K. Johnson of London and Edinburgh, one globe is terrestrial depicting land configurations of the era and the other celestial displaying known stars and their magnitudes at the time.

Some of the better-known artists paintings in the house include Pro Hart, David Boyd, Sidney Nolan, David Bromley, Hugh Sawrey, Robert Dickerson and Dorothy Napangardi.

The vendor also was a keen follower of artist Kim Kennedy and 30 of his works are on display throughout the home.

The auction features several large clocks including an 1880 French Boulle ormolu timepiece, a comprehensive range of jewellery and the furniture on offer includes a black burr antique ormolu mounted shaped top drawer bureau plat.

There also is an 1830s English mahogany extension dining table by Gillows of Lancashire that has six legs and three extension leaves accompanied by 12 Georgian mahogany dining chairs.

Sculptures include a museum quality seated figure of a young man by Gaudez and a white marble female carrying a water container.

The extensive gardens feature an early model Mercedes Benz, outboard motor boat on a trailer, large bronze urns, garden tools (including a ride-on mower) and a 20-foot shipping container.