Electrician revives old house

AFTER years of navigating red tape and restoration works, a Gordon man has successfully restored a home built during the 1930s, that was destined for demolition.

Local electrician Chris Tabb purchased the house in 2013, which was owned by the Ballan Hospital and was set to be bulldozed.

Originally located at 166 Inglis Street, Ballan, Mr Tabb had it moved to 4 Rosenow Street, Gordon at Easter in 2013.

Updated: Chris Tabb’s big renovation on the 1939 house includes a wrap-around veranda and new rooms. Photo: LACHLAN ELLIS

A lover of history, he said he just couldn’t let the demolition happen.

“When I heard the hospital was going to bulldoze the house, and I saw those beautiful windows, I felt compelled to save it,” he said.

“It’s taken me seven years to renovate and extend the house. It sat for four years awaiting permits and subdivisions from the council before I could start working on it. In that time it was covered in tarps, water got in, and one of the ceilings fell in which devastated me.”

The house was originally constructed in 1939, making it 85 years old.

Everything’s secondhand in the home which Chris Tabb re-built.

“It was built by Thomas and Matilda Hogg. In 1940, Thomas moved here from Collingwood to work for the PMG (Telecom),” Mr Tabb said.

“They had children, and one of them, Ailsa, remained in the house and married John Tingate. They raised their children there, including Ken, who was keen to visit after he heard I was doing it up.

“I’ve souped it up a bit, I put the brick chimney back on it and used all the old bricks from the kitchen chimney for a brick veranda right around the front, California bungalow style.”

The house retains much of its old charm, with one of the ceilings able to be retained in the front living room, a fireplace, and a replacement ceiling in the front bedroom which Mr Tabb said is identical to the original.

Original condition: The Tingate House was originally located in Ballan, but was moved to Gordon in 2013. Photo: SUPPLIED

And while he’s proud of the finished product, and the fact he’s saved the beautiful old house from being a pile of rubble, Mr Tabb said it’d be the last time he’d embark on such a big project.

“Basically all the windows are from Lal Lal, so are the bifold doors. Everything’s secondhand,” he said.

“It’s been challenging, but I’m glad I’ve done it with the support of my amazing partner Michael.

“The next house I buy will be a turn-key place; I’m not doing this again!”