Time for farewells at Melbourne home contents auction

 

With their entrepreneurial and business acumen, local business identities the late Paul and Sophie Courtnay left an indelible impression on Melbourne’s western suburbs – even more so when they decided in the 1990s to build a magnificent 100-square home to house their family at 49 Stewart Drive, Werribee.

Of course, any home needs furnishing – and large abodes even more so – and for the Courtnays antiques were a particular passion. As a result, the former Acorn Antiques in High Street, Armadale – with other Melbourne and Geelong dealers – was a favourite destination to acquire several quality pieces.

Estate executors have now instructed auctioneer Phil Caldwell to sell the entire contents of the home on site from 11am Sunday February 21, which the auction house can only do by online and phone bidding due to current COVID-19 restrictions.

However, potential buyers can visit the property for live viewing from 10am-6pm Friday February 19 and Saturday February 20 – or opt for online viewing and video walkthroughs to more closely inspect individual items. 

Mr Caldwell said in addition to artworks by well-known Australian painters and elegant antiques, there was an interesting collection of about 40 Victorian dining chairs stored in garage rafters on the property.

“Another attraction is the fabulous garden pieces including massive front gates and three-tier fountain, cast iron settees, urns and rare trees,” he said. “Of particular note are the bluestone blocks obtained from an early railway bridge that once crossed Melbourne’s Yarra River.”

For art collectors there is a range of paintings by such name artists as David Boyd, Sidney Nolan, Hans Heysen, Pro Hart and David Bromley.

Jewellery is a big drawcard with diamonds, emeralds, pearls and opals among the purchase options. 

Furniture includes Victorian mahogany display cabinets, sideboards and dining tables – along with bedroom, study and library pieces and rugs and porcelain.

Ancient Egyptian antiquities are other highlights and the auction even contains general household goods for the discerning purchaser.

For further information Phillip Caldwell Auctioneers 0414 689 937 or 0411 529 414 or visit www.fineauctions.biz