GARY Page, owner of the Clara Pope House, has visions of turning the site into a gallery with the house as a focal point.
The Hoppers Crossing resident has considered building the gallery to exhibit woodturning pieces, one of his passions.
“There is stuff in Williamstown like that for paintings but it would blend in beautifully with the old house,” Mr Page said.
“I would like to restore it but I need the funds and it’s nearly had it. I love history and would love to do something myself with it but I need help.”
However, plans to restore the structure may crumble with the house, because it may be impossible to source the correct materials.
Mr Page said a heritage architect who looked at the house could not find similar shingles.
“The heritage architect shopped around for shingles and believed nobody makes the type needed for this now,” he said.
“He shopped around Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania and couldn’t find any.”
Williamstown Ward councillor Angela Altair said urgency was the key factor in restoring the historic house.
“With every week that goes by it makes it harder for us to save one of Victoria’s earliest buildings,” Cr Altair said.
Mr Page, who said he did not want to spend a great deal of money rebuilding the house, is seeking help in any form to restore the house.
Anyone who could help Mr Page restore the house can contact him by phoning 0416 030 658.
