Baillieu grandeur hits market for $7m
- Jon Ruwolt
- Oct 4
- 5 min read
A waterfront Williamstown mansion tied to the Baillieu family — and long regarded as a hub of Melbourne’s art world — has hit the market with a $7m price tag.
The Edwardian estate at 28 The Strand, known as 'Tarneit', was home to pioneering gallerist and artist Marianne Baillieu for more than three decades, where she hosted legendary salons with painters, filmmakers and even Buddhist monks.
Story by David Bonaddio, Real Estate Reporter, Herald Sun, 4 Oct 2025, 12:00pm
Expressions of Interest: Closing Saturday, 11 October at 12:00pm
From its dynamited basalt swimming pool to its starring role in Paul Cox’s 1984 film My First Wife, the house is dripping with cultural history as much as architectural grandeur.
MARIANNE Baillieu, a visionary, mystic, founder in 1971 of the brilliant art gallery Realities in Toorak, and later a respected painter herself, died at her home in Williamstown, aged 72.
Marianne was extremely good at relating to artists, promoting and selling their work, and attracting collectors and connoisseurs.
Almost every major living Australian artist and emerging artist showed at Realities, either solo or in a group show, including Fred Williams, Clifton Pugh, John Perceval, Sidney Nolan, Roger Kemp, Asher Bilu, Imants Tillers and John Wolseley.
Opening parties and artist lunches at Realities became legendary, and the exhibitions consistently innovative.
Marketed by Ray White Williamstown’s Joanne Royston with a guide of $6.6m –$7m, the home sits on 1279sq m of blue-chip waterfront land.
It features expansive reception rooms, landscaped gardens and the famous dynamited pool overlooking the bay.
Ms Royston said the listing was a rare opportunity to own “a piece of Australian cultural history”.
The Strand remains one of Williamstown’s most coveted waterfront strips, with sweeping views across the bay to Melbourne’s CBD.
“The combination of architectural significance, cultural heritage and prime waterfront location makes this an exceptional offering,” she said.
Gallery: Click '>' or '<' to view slides
"A property where 'roots, revolution and relevance' define its narrative, TARNEIT's legacy as the Baillieu residence complements the important contributions that members of the family have made to the cultural and corporate aspects of Victorian life - attributes that had their origins in this illustrious home."
"The richness of its Federation era integrity and the power of its renovation potential, STCA, combine to create a property of remarkable presence and spectacular scope in a setting that ensures a wonderful Williamstown lifestyle."
"Grand dimensions, original decorative details, timber floorboards, open fire-places and pressed metal ceilings await behind a façade of captivating evocative elegance.
A beautiful hall with a fabulous ball-room feel is the focal point for a series of stunning rooms for living, dining and entertaining accompanied by five bedrooms and a central bathroom before a kitchen/everyday dining space reveals the enduring effect of a previous update."
"Beyond, the rear garden's reach, landscaping, swimming pool and striking dual level studio/loft with workshop and storage areas, deliver a dramatic conclusion to a home."
"With secure car parking, where the past is respected, the present is reflected and the future can be envisioned…one of this coveted bayside position's most irresistible, and irreplaceable, opportunities."
"A reflection of Williamstown's evolving identity from its historical roots to its current status as a coveted bay side enclave, TARNEIT is a residence of exceptional appeal."
Heritage:
What is Significant?
The Strand Heritage Precinct, which comprises all land in HO31 and generally includes properties with a frontage to The Strand in Williamstown and Newport.
How is it Significant?
The Strand Heritage Precinct is of local historic and aesthetic significance to the City of Hobsons Bay.
Why is it Significant?
Historically, The Strand was established as a premier residential address in Williamstown by the late nineteenth century. It demonstrates the prosperity of Williamstown during the mid to late nineteenth century and, like the Esplanade, also illustrates the strong connection between the early residential development of Williamstown and maritime industries and pursuits. (AHC criteria A4 and D2)
Aesthetically, although later inappropriate development disrupts the complete expression of The Strand as a whole, the remaining small groups of often-substantial villas are significant for evoking the historic character that was once typical of the majority of this seaside boulevard. (AHC criterion E1)
On this basis, the following properties contribute to the significance of the precinct:
The Strand 4, 5, 8-9 (fence only), 10-14, 22, 24, 27, 28, 30, 53, 62, 63, 67-68, 69, 74, 75, 77 and 94.
Please note that some heritage places within this precinct may also have an individual citation in this Study:
What is Significant?
'Tarneit', constructed in 1905, at 28 The Strand, Williamstown.
How is it Significant?
'Tarneit' at 28 The Strand, Williamstown is of local historic and aesthetic significance to the City of Hobsons Bay.
Why is it Significant?
Historically, it is one of a number of dwellings that illustrate the historic importance of The Strand as a desirable residential address over a long period. It is also of interest for its associations with the locally important Keig family. (AHC criteria A4 and H1)
Aesthetically, it is a locally rare and near original example of a successfully designed Queen Anne villa which contributes to the historic character of The Strand. (AHC criteria B2, E1 and F1)
The Strand in Williamstown, Victoria, possesses historic character from its origins as a prestigious address for wealthy citizens and its association with the suburb's maritime history, featuring grand residences like Maritimo and Manderlay that showcase Victorian-era architecture.
It continues the heritage-rich Nelson Place and offers preserved streetscapes with elegant buildings overlooking Port Phillip Bay, providing a tangible link to Williamstown's past as Melbourne's first port.
Keig Family Local Importance:
The family holds local historical importance in the Williamstown area, with mentions in heritage records regarding their connection to the suburb's residential history.
Key Family Members
Charles Keig: Born in 1856, with a father named Robert James Keig, a shipwright.
Charles Gordon Keig: Lived from 1885 to 1947 and is listed in FamilySearch records.
John James Keig: An important family member listed on FamilySearch for the years 1882–1968.
Thomas Keig: Another individual listed in family history resources with the dates 1889–1961.
References:
Baillieu family Williamstown waterfront mansion hits market $7m
Gallery owner chose to be game not gamekeeper, By Rod Myer, SMH April 11, 2012
Ray White: 28 The Strand, Williamstown, Vic 3016
Victoria Heritage: Tarneit, 28 The Strand WILLIAMSTOWN, Hobsons Bay City