There’s a Mediterranean feel to the family home of artist and Food For Everyone founder Gemma Leslie. The Alphington, Melbourne house was originally built circa 1883-1886 as one large residence (named ‘Edgebaston’) then subdivided in the late 1920s into the three homes that remain today. Arches were added and a roughcast render applied to the exterior, creating a grand appearance, reminiscent of a romantic Italian villa.
Gemma and her partner bought their home in 2018 for its unique character. Since moving in, they’ve worked to enhance the European qualities of the place, especially in the kitchen, where they’ve added new marble bench tops, American oak cabinetry made by friend Kit Boagey, a grey and rust tiled splashback, and Dulux Antique White U.S.A. walls.
After welcoming their son Francis in 2021, Gemma says the family spend ‘all of their time outside’, so they’ve now updated the garden to suit this lifestyle. Gemma worked with Josh Norman Landscapes to bring her vision to life, with crazy paving, citrus trees, rosemary, and lavender. A pizza oven adds the final Italian touch!
Gemma hasn’t actively attempted to ‘style’ her home — she’s simply filled it with the items that inspire them. ‘It’s a happy jumble filled with art and objects we have collected over the years,’ Gemma says. There’s something to be said for having effortlessly excellent taste!
Gemma feels very lucky to own such a special piece of local history. (We featured another Edgebaston home in 2019—take a walk down memory lane here!)
