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.
