On The Market

A Beautifully Renovated Thornbury California Bungalow Hits The Market

Restoring this Thornbury home has been a true labour of love for the owners, who bought it 10 years ago as a completely run-down abode.

Over the years, Builder and MLS Built co-director Michael Camilleri and wife, Kate Camilleri have transformed the period house into their picture-perfect family home.

Now their dream pad is finally complete, they’ve made the difficult decision to put it on the market and make way for their next adventure.

Written
by
Christina Karras
Supported by Jellis Craig

The unassuming facade hides a glam interior. Photo – Cheyne Toomey

It’s come a long way since the sellers bought it in 2012. Photo – Cheyne Toomey

The picturesque front is complete with a landscaped garden. Photo – Cheyne Toomey

The spacious living room offers a perfect outlook into the lush backyard. Photo – Cheyne Toomey

Michael said the family would especially miss ‘hosting Christmas with room for all the extended family’. Photo – Cheyne Toomey

Sweeping marble surface bring a feeling of luxury. Photo – Cheyne Toomey

The main bedroom boasts an enviable walk-in wardrobe. Photo – Cheyne Toomey

Most rooms feature wool carpets, hand-finished linen curtains and plantation shutters. Photo – Cheyne Toomey

Take a soak in the luxurious tub! Photo – Cheyne Toomey

The new owners will inherit ‘a pool for the local summer pool party’, Michael says. Photo – Cheyne Toomey

The dreamy family home. Photo – Cheyne Toomey

Writer
Christina Karras
11th of March 2022

When Michael and Katie Camilleri bought this California bungalow back in 2012, it was in ‘an extreme state of disrepair’. The property had been uninhabitable for more than 20 years, with no working kitchen, or bathroom!

‘Most thought we were mad, but we knew that with a vision and a lot of hard work, our house could be something special. After doing some minor renovation works initially, we finally decided in 2018 to embark on a two-year journey in building the home of our dreams,’ Michael says.

The original dwelling had many ornate features including tuck-pointed brick work, extensive timber wall panelling and parquetry floors. The new design, by Hazel Porter Architecture, has built on these features, reimagining the property as a glamourous five-bedroom home, with period character but a contemporary floor plan.

Behind the pretty 1920s facade, an expanded hallway leads to a striking open-plan living, kitchen and dining area, complete with an impressive scullery and laundry. Glass sliding doors extend from the sleek contemporary kitchen to the lush backyard – fitted out with a white mahogany deck near the swimming pool with granite-paved surrounds.

This entertaining space forms the heart of the home, where the family have enjoyed plenty of winter nights by the fire, and warm summer evenings watching their two sons, Will and Charlie, playing in the pool.

Upstairs, there’s also a retreat, which could be set up as a playroom, while a study provides options for the new owners to work from home. Meanwhile, a grand main bedroom features hints of the property’s historic charm via a fireplace and bay window-seat.

‘To us this location is the inner north’s best kept secret,’ says Michael. ‘Within 200m from our front door we have access to Miller St Village, which is a collection of cafés, eateries, a gelato bar, wellness studios, local grocers, and specialty shops. We also are in very close proximity to the Merri Creek Parklands and trails which have been a heaven-sent during recent lengthy lockdowns.’

‘With all the buzz of such a lively and vibrant neighbourhood at our doorstep, when you enter our home, you are instantly transported into a quiet and private sanctuary.’

99 Keon Street, Thornbury, VIC is listed with Jellis Craig and will go to auction Saturday 26 March, 12.00pm. Take a look at the full listing here.

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