Did you know that one of the largest personal Dr Seuss collections in the country can be found in a property in Hendra? Behind the doors of 28 Blaikie Street lies more than just a five-bedroom, three-bathroom entertainer’s dream—it’s a gallery of imagination and nostalgia, lovingly curated by renowned Ascot dance teacher Marilyn Culpitt.
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Culpitt, who bought the home in 2009, began her unexpected journey into the world of Dr Seuss art during a visit to San Francisco, where she stumbled across a gallery print. As a mother of four, she was familiar with the author’s stories but hadn’t realised the breadth of his visual art. Her first purchase, however, was made back in Australia when she saw a ‘Green Eggs and Ham’ piece on display in a Sydney gallery, and from there, the collection grew.
Now, the walls of her spacious home display 29 original works, from limited edition prints to quirky Seussian taxidermy. But Dr Seuss isn’t the only artist to feature. Culpitt has also long admired and collected pieces by Gerard Manion, creating a vibrant and eclectic art display throughout the house.
She admits her children may have questioned her passion at times, but she finds joy in the colour and hidden meaning of Seuss’s artworks. The home provided ample room for her collection, as well as space to host her large extended family, including 12 grandchildren, for frequent gatherings and meals.
The house has become well-known in the area, with locals recognising it as “Marilyn’s house” following her decades at the helm of the Ascot School of Dance. According to Place Ascot agent Tanya Mitchell, the property has been maintained meticulously since Culpitt purchased it directly from the builder. She says it’s ideal for a buyer seeking a low-maintenance executive home, with a bit of creative flair.
With downsizing now on the horizon, Culpitt is facing the difficult task of letting go of some pieces from her treasured collection. She’s open to selling several artworks and says prospective buyers have already shown interest in acquiring them along with the house.
Still, a few favourites, such as ‘Green Eggs and Ham’, ‘Yawning Cat’, ‘Ted’s Cat’, and ‘Wisdom of the Orient Cat,’ remain close to her heart and unlikely to be parted with easily.
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For the right buyer, this property offers not just a beautiful home, but the chance to own a piece of one woman’s vibrant artistic journey—one that blends imagination, family, and a lifelong love of creativity.
Published 16-June-2025
