Property developing is on many a ‘to-do’ list, but as with most things in life, it takes clear vision and a focused dedication to achieve success. Success that Glenn Eagles, from Glenneagles Homes, has been working towards since his early teens. With over 140 properties and 40 HIA awards to his name, his experience and expertise are second to none.
Styling one of Glenn’s properties’, is always a pleasure. Working with such an incredible space, where every detail is attended to, is endlessly inspiring. We were curious how Glenn got started, and how he has evolved over time. We sat down with Glenn in his latest project to find out!
We all start somewhere! Can you tell us about your very first job?
At 14 and 9 months old, I started as an apprentice carpenter with my father, which was eye-opening. I realised I didn’t want to be a carpenter forever, but it has meant I have a unique understanding of what it means to build a home.
What did your early path to property development look like?
Quite good, at first! I started out at 23 and was quite successful in the Templestowe area, I was fairly young, but I was ready! That’s until the recession of the early 1990’s hit and put a stop to that!
You seem to have a penchant for Toorak. How do you decide where and what to build?
After my first foray in Templestowe, I shifted focus to Malvern, then progressed to Armadale. I realised that my product, being very high-end, was desired and appreciated much, much, more within the Toorak postcode. So far, its been a wise move!
How would you describe your style when it comes to houses?
Opulent and refined. I try to achieve a conservative look to the exterior of my developments, but once the entry doors open, I want my clients' to fall in-love with the home and feel that they can be a lot more contemporary with their style once inside. By updating traditional details such as decorative panelling, in a modern way, it allows a client to mix new furnishings with their favourite antiques seamlessly. Materials are so important when building, they create the final picture. I’m always on the lookout for new, innovative products.
Twenty years ago, nobody had heard of a butlers' pantry, unless you actually had a butler; now it's almost unthinkable for a new build to be without one, what other things have become modern must-haves?
Basements, lifts; even if it’s a simple double-storey, Theatre Rooms with the latest technology and temperature-controlled wine cellars. Adding these to any build adds such a sense of luxury and are great lifestyle options.
Are you more of an instinctual decision maker or are you all about the spreadsheet?
I make most of my decisions on-site; sometimes on the run, the beauty of speculative building is that there is no such client to confer with.
How do you balance creativity and formula?
By always having the finished building in mind, one that will appeal to the purchaser and try not to get carried away with my own perspective too much.
Biggest blunder?
Building an ultra-contemporary home in Toorak, 4 years ahead of it’s time! That said, it did win the HIA Home of the Year award.
Greatest triumph?
Buying an old, merchant builders’ home and tennis court in Lawnhill Road Malvern. I turned it into 4 self-addressed individual town residences, it was a great success!
Number one tip for would-be developers?
Figure out who your purchaser is before you start.
