This mid-century house on the main street of Berry is probably one of the most photographed in Australia. Bel-Air was built by veterinarian and Czechoslovakia refugee Grigor Borys (known locally as George) in 1956 and based on a design known as the P&O or liner style. Not surprisingly, some call it the ‘boat house’ with its three iconic portholes and sloping windows. Others have compared it to the cartoon architecture of the time in programs like The Jetsons or Thunderbirds. It was also the first house in Berry with an outdoor pool. The architect of the Heritage-listed home is not known, but the style is contrary to most in the boutique town.

Bel-Air is now in the care of its third owner, David Farthing. The previous owner bought the house in the late 1990s, giving it its first makeover and 20 years later, David has given the home its second. “I have worked on rejuvenating most of the surfaces of the house and at the same time simplifying the garden so the special plants feature more,” he said. The garden will feature in this year’s Berry Garden Festival from October 13-16.

The home itself is double-brick downstairs, with a concrete roof supporting the upstairs rooms and terrace. The original house downstairs was three bedrooms, a kitchen, lounge, dining and bathroom and this configuration remains. Upstairs is accessed by two external staircases. Two large rooms are separated by a covered terrace. The vet buildings, in the garden, are now two self-contained rooms. The pool has since been demolished and the rear two blocks subdivided from the front.

“The house has subtle treatments that are both nostalgic for those that lived through the late ’50s and beautiful,” David said. “The house has been a location shoot for fashion and homewares. Like any good art Bel-Air is timeless, probably more akin to modern architecture with its terraces and outdoor living spaces, plenty of light and humour.” Bel-Air is available to be rented for holiday accommodation.