Heritage protection mooted for airport house from The Castle film facing demolition

It's a long shot, but the Kerrigan's home from the 1997 film, The Castle, could be saved from demolition by its “social significance”. 

The Kerrigans’ Castle, which the Herald Sun described as arguably Australian film’s most recognisable home, went on the market recently for a new tenant.

But it then emerged the Strathmore home, in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, faces the wrecking ball.

The owner advised she is considering demolishing the famed house towards the end of next year, citing ongoing maintenance issues.

“I know it’s sad, but the home is going downhill and it’s just taking too much to maintain,” owner Vicki Cosentino told News Corp Australia. She is prepared to see the house relocated away from its airport neighbourhood.

The classic Australian film of 1997 celebrates the triumph of the Kerrigans over the impending compulsory acquisition.

“This is not a house, it’s a home," was how the status was put in the High Court proceedings.

The house at 3 Dagonet Street attracts visitors knocking on the door and asking to speak to Darryl.

Set next to an airport, it was up for rental at $380 per week.

Moonee Valley City Council confirmed a planning application for the construction of two dwellings was lodged in late May.

But National Trust (Victoria) senior community advocate Felicity Watson said there was “certainly an argument” that the house had “social significance” because of its role in The Castle.

She said “social significance for pop culture associations” had previously helped Victorian properties earn heritage protection, namely Hanging Rock and the set of 1986 film Dogs in Space, 18 Berry St in Richmond — but these places also had historical or architectural value.