Historic Olinda restaurant Coonara Springs formerly owned by opera singer tunes back into market
The Dandenong Ranges “Coonara Springs” property previously owned by opera singer Grace Angelau (inset) is back on the market. Inset Picture: Grace Angelau Opera Star Now Runs Tea Garden (20 June 1942). In Pix 9 (25).
A landmark Dandenong Ranges restaurant previously owned by internationally renowned opera singer Grace Angelau is back on the market after selling for $2.3m late last year.
The 1893-built “Coonara Springs” at 129 Olinda-Monbulk Rd, Olinda was purchased by a local buyer believed to intend to run the site as a hospitality venue.
However, the 3.1ha property is for sale again with $2.3m-$2.53m price hopes.
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Originally an early selector’s house, American-born soprano Angelau ran Coonara Springs as a tea house in the 1940s.
Angelau performed on Broadway and at European opera houses like La Scala during her singing career which began in the 1920s.
In the 1930s she taught singing at New York’s Alviene School of Dance Arts where movie star Fred Astaire trained.
The farmhouse-style kitchen.
The restored Aga which cooked scones for the tea house.
Garden views.
After retiring from show business Angelau moved to Melbourne with her family and purchased Coonara Springs.
The weatherboard property features seating for 40 people in the main restaurant, a restored Aga stove, crystal chandeliers and red brick open fireplaces.
The Victorian Heritage Database lists Coonara Springs as having “high local significance” for its association with tourism growth in the Dandenong Ranges.
Coonara Springs has been run as a dining and event venue, including for weddings.
The gorgeous outdoor area.
The Coonara Springs Hotel dining room, back when it operated as a restaurant. Picture: Kylie Else
Bell Real Estate Olinda agent Corinne Sukroo said the “landmark” site could be used as a private residence.
“Alternatively, which the locals would love, to bring it back to the restaurant that we dearly loved coming to for years,” Ms Sukroo said.
“It has outdoor dining, indoor dining and is completely set up ready to go, but you have many options.”
She said the home provided “stunning views” across the Warburton Ranges.
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