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The Edgbastion property was built in the 1880s by Thomas Stokes as a stately family home. At the time, the Alphington house was surrounded by farmland, but as the city and suburbs crept out, the property caught the eye of a group of bohemian friends. Closely located to the artists of the Heidelberg school, it was converted into three apartments and was a hub for parties, art, and late night dancing.
Suzanne moved into her apartment in 1980, and shares the home with her cat Algernon. The architectural integrity of the home has always been paramount to Suzanne, and the residents have twice ‘saved the house from the wrecking ball’ and ‘inappropriate development.’ Drawn to the character and Victorian dimensions of high ceilings and long windows, Suzanne has only made small cosmetic changes to her home.
Using her artistic skills, Suzanne has added a fresh lick of paint, a stone and shell grotto (!), new fireplace and floor stencils on the pine floorboards. She has also spent the last forty years tending to the garden ‘to create an intimate and serene space in which to equally entertain, relax in and be inspired by.’
The home is filled with Suzanne’s favourite objects, which sit perfectly in this richly layered home, characterised by 3.5 metre ceilings and long sash windows. Special pieces include the painting by Max Sherlock (of the river and bush in Heidelberg), Suzanne’s triangular carved wood chair, and ‘bar’ cabinet that ‘has a particular warmth, and gracefully anchors the space in which it sits.’
What initially drew Suzanne to the home was the quiet seclusion, access to the Yarra and parklands, while still being close to the city. Between the generous bay windows, open fireplace, backyard studio, and ‘simple and purposeful set of rooms’ this heritage apartment is sure to find another passionate custodian soon!
Check out the listing for Suzanne’s fabulous apartment here!
