Bronte-an absolute beachfront property- recently upgraded

Address - 4 Orrong Ave Frankston

Bronte is the only property available in the Melbourne area which is actually a whole house and actually directly on the beach.

Bronte has recently had its furniture upgrades including 2 new lounges and new table and chairs for the deck facing the sea, new mattresses, and a kitchen revamp which includes an expresso machine.

Bronte is a single storey (2 steps), pet- and family-friendly property. Both the front and back yards are fully fenced. the front fence is low the rear fence is 1800mm.


Bronte is a 3 bedroom house equipped with 3 double beds and a bunk bed (2 singles). There is also a portacot and 2 high chairs.

For your laundry needs, there is a washing machine, a dryer, and a clothesline. Doonas and doona covers are supplied.

By default, you provide your own linen (sheets, pillow cases, towels). However, linen is available by negotiation with the caretaker Mandii.

The kitchen is fully equipped should you tire of all the fine restaurants just across the footbridge.

The house is well shaded by vegetation including a 70-year-old coastal Banksia tree. Sea breezes together with 10-foot ceilings and good insulation minimise the need for air conditioning on all but the hottest days. providing a sustainable solution to climate control. Nevertheless, there is ducted air conditioning (evaporative cooling) for those very hot days.

For the cold weather, there is gas ducted heating.

The furniture is mainly early 20th century complemented by modern pieces where appropriate. This includes a new digital TV and a top of the line family Weber BBQ which will ease your task in entertaining guests on the seaside deck.

A large dining table seats 8. There are two separate living areas, a lounge and a sun room both with windows facing the sea.

The single garage is new and features an automatic roller door.

There is parking for 2 additional vehicles in the long driveway.


Bronte - Location


Bronte is an absolute beachfront property. Built directly on the sand of the beach itself, it is very secluded and private. It is a battleaxe block hence not visible from any road. it is a hidden gem.

Bronte is located on Long Island, directly opposite the main Frankston city area which is accessed by a footbridge on Beach St over Kananook Creek. A short walk along Beach St leads to the Frankston train line to the Melbourne CBD. The Frankston city features many fine international restaurants. My husband recommends the pizzas or a seafood platter from La Porchetta. In addition to fine restaurants, McDonalds is also close at hand for the kids.

Long Island itself is a quiet residential area sandwiched between Kananook Creek and Port Phillip Bay. It is a mile long and goes from Mile Bridge (one of 2 road entry points) and the mouth of Kananook Creek which empties into the Bay near the Frankston pier and Lifesaving Club. A 8 km nature trail starts at Beach St and follows Kananook Creek north to Carrum (train back).

Frankston is the gateway to the Mornington Peninsula which features many tourist attractions including wineries, national parks, ferries, surf beaches, and hot springs. Your choice of activities is almost endless.

Frankston is also the largest city in the Mornington Peninsula with all the trappings including nightlife, cinemas, restaurants, cafes, major shopping centres, boat hire, government offices, train station, car hire, direct bus to airport, op shops, pawn shops, a public library, a performing arts centre, and a new aquatic center to name a few.

The beach opposite Bronte is a great beach where small children can swim safely. There are 3 sand banks which take you out more than 200 meters before the water is permanently over an adult's head.

Bronte-equipment

There is a standup paddle board for your enjoyment


History of Bronte

Bronte got a letter from the queen in 2021 congratulating her on her 100 year birthday.

Bronte was built as a holiday shack in 1921. It is built of weatherboard and fibro cement with a tin roof. It has 10 foot (3 metre) ceilings which are painted wood-panelling. The walls are also painted wood-panelling. Originally there were 4 rooms, a kitchen, a lounge and 2 bedrooms. The kitchen and lounge shared a chimney but each had its own fireplace.


The 1930's saw the addition of a sunroom with a leadlight bay window and a sleepout (bedroom) both facing the beach. A bathroom, laundry, and kitchen were also added to the rear.

The next addition was in the 1960's when mains sewer came to Long Island. As a consequence, a toilet was added. The adult size original potty is still in the bedside cabinet in the front bedroom should you desire a unique experience. If you do use it please empty into the flush toilet as there is no longer a night service on Long Island!

The 1990's' featured a major renovation to upgrade the property whilst preserving many original features. Knob and tube wiring was replaced. Lead pipes were replaced with copper. The chimney and fireplaces were removed and a hanging beam installed in the roof space to create an open plan living space. The ceiling was insulated and energy efficient climate control technology installed. The bath and kitchen were upgraded with ceramic tiles. An entertainment deck was built on the sand on the beach side. Just forward of the deck are the sand dunes of the foreshore itself.

Furniture which remains from the 1920's and 1930's included the ice chest and food safe which are now used as pantries, the original kitchen dresser, and much of the bedroom furniture.

The original owners were 2 English sisters. The current family purchased Bronte from the sisters in 1956 complete with all furniture and furnishings. Two generations of children grew up spending summer holidays at Bronte with their families and cousins. The third generation has arrived with cousins in Perth and the births of 4 gorgeous grandchildren. However, the current owner who lives in Canberra still finds that she is not using the beach shack as often as she would like. Hence she has reluctantly made Bronte available to the general public for part of the year. The husband of the current owner is a builder who ensures that although historic, Bronte has no major maintenance problems. He has compensated for sloping floors by modifying the furniture to keep it level.