“Cal Bung” – were built in Melbourne generally between WWI & WW2
· Australians looked to California (in part Hollywood’s influence) with its warm climate & modern relaxed lifestyle for architectural inspiration & the Cal Bung resonated – as a more modest, affordable & lower maintenance housing style
· Easily recognizable by their low spreading roof with wide overhanging eaves & the front porch with columns, originally single-story, built both in brick & timber, if the original fence is intact it will be post & wire
· Within Melbourne generally found in the ring within 10km – 20km of the CBD
· Buyers like the historic charm of the street appeal, as well as internally: the wide hallways, high ceilings, fireplaces, timber floors & skirtings/architraves.
· The relatively small size of rooms is problematic for some buyers
· Generally they are on blocks that are large enough to do an open plan kitchen/living/dining at the rear while not needing to add a second-story while still retaining sufficient outdoor space
· With cars becoming more common during this period, they were built with sufficient space for a driveway – resulting in significant land component for today’s buyers
· I am a fan of Cal Bung houses for clients – their supply is inherently limited & becomes even more so as some of those without heritage protection are demolished, resulting in good capital growth prospects
