On The Market

This Epic Factory Conversion In The Middle Of Fitzroy Is For Sale!

Have you ever walked past a house and dreamed about what could be going in inside? The ones with beautiful, old facades and storied, crumbly histories?

If you live in Melbourne, chances are you’ve probably wondered that about this building. Built in 1920, the industrial Fitzroy structure used to house the Federal Trolley + Truck Co. factory, and has since undergone an insanely beautiful modern conversion. Now, the palatial family home with soaring ceilings and a courtyard plunge pool is on the market.

Epic is an understatement!

Written
by
Sasha Gattermayr
Supported by Nelson Alexander

A front courtyard garden is tucked behind the heritage facade, with the new renovation set back on the site. Steel frames and double-height windows reference the building’s industrial history, and led an awe-inspiring sense of scale! Photo – Christopher Alexander.

The open-plan living, dining and kitchen area benefit from the towering glazing and access to natural light provided the courtyard. Photo – Christopher Alexander.

Custom marble counter tops and stainless steel appliances give the modern kitchen an industrial feel. Photo – Christopher Alexander.

The courtyard plunge pool is surrounded by double-height windows, creating an oasis in the centre of the house! Photo – Christopher Alexander.

The sweeping statement staircase leads up to the first floor, which houses three bedrooms, a second living area, bathroom and study space. Look at that view out of the master bedroom! Photo – Christopher Alexander.

The upstairs living zone contains a study space and second lounge room. Photo – Christopher Alexander.

The main bedroom has an adjacent ensuite and beautiful big windows. Photo – Christopher Alexander.

The upstairs floor contains two additional bedrooms and main bathroom. Photo – Christopher Alexander.

The original heritage facade is still totally intact! Photo – Christopher Alexander.

Writer
Sasha Gattermayr
5th of February 2021

Behind the heritage facade of this 1920s building in George Street, Fitzroy is a voluminous contemporary home dreams are made of.

The current owners acquired the property eight years ago, and set about demolishing the ’80s renovation that came with it. They engaged HOLA Projects to design a functional, modern residence that played with the vast scale of the space and referenced its industrial roots.

The threshold opens to a courtyard garden, which guides residents to a huge timber front door. A sweeping statement staircase greets the entryway, carrying guests up to a mezzanine bridge leading to the upper floor sleeping quarters and second living room.

Downstairs, the open-plan living and dining areas wrap around a central glass void, which houses the piece-de-resistance: a plunge pool! Surrounded by double-height windows, the mini waterhole exists as a pocket-sized oasis in the centre of the home. It’s touches like this that make the house feel serene and secure, in the heart of bustling Fitzroy!

‘Given the extensive use of glass, the way light passes through the house at different times of day and at different times of the year is wonderful,’ the owners say.

Co-owner and interior designer, Leigh Ellwood, made a point of featuring a variety of colours and materials. Handmade fixtures and finishes add a thoughtful, detail-oriented touch, like the bronze front door handle, which was made by Melbourne-based jeweller, Marcos Davidson. Additionally, bespoke joinery made from Japanese elm lines the bedrooms and custom marble mosaics coat the main bathroom.

The result is a super sociable family home – which is ready for new owners!

153 George Street, Fitzroy will be sold via auction on Saturday 27th February at 1pm by Peter Stephens and Isabelle McEwan Marion of Nelson Alexander. For more information, see the listing here.

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