AN auction of antique furniture and old wares has raised $8000 for the ongoing restoration work at Coolart Homestead, Somers.
The items, including curtains, crockery, beds, chairs, pool table, sewing machine, paintings and dressing tables from the late 18th and early 19th centuries, were donated by the owners of the heritage-listed Landene, in St Kilda Road, Melbourne.
The 1895 home had been used as a boarding house and then became the St Kilda Post Office in 1962.
“[The owners] had no room for any more furniture and generously asked if we would like it,” Friends of Coolart president Julie Ebbott said.
“The most highly contested item was a cedar and brass sailor’s sea chest that had a reserve of $200 yet sold for $520,” Ms Ebbott said.
“On the other hand, a brass double bed with mattress and base in tiptop condition was knocked down for just $20. The buyers said they would not be able to buy pillow cases for that small amount.”
The auction proceeds will be added to a $196,000 place-making grant from Mornington Peninsula Shire.
First published in the Western Port Times – 18 September 2019
