On The Market

A Dreamy Apartment In The Iconic Beverley Hills Building Hits The Market!

We’ve featured numerous homes in the architecturally famous 1930s Beverley Hills building in South Yarra, Melbourne before — but rarely do these apartments come up for sale.

Not only is one of these amazing homes currently on the market, we think it’s one of the best in the building: the apartment of interior designer Leigh Ellwood!

The serial renovator is moving on to her next project, leaving this apartment for one very lucky buyer.

Take a closer look inside!

Written
by
Amelia Barnes
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Photography
by
|
Editorial styling
by

Interior designer Leigh Ellwood is selling her own apartment in the architecturally famous 1930s Beverley Hills building.

Beverley Hills comprises two seven-storey buildings deeply rooted in their historic context: a period where Melbourne apartment development was only emerging.

The Spanish Mission-style walkup in South Yarra features ornate balustrades, leadlight windows, generous communal spaces, and tropical landscaping set around a central pool.

The building was named after Lawson’s granddaughter Beverley. Block three was added to the site around the 1950s and has since been demolished.

The magic of the Beverley Hills building spans its entire grounds. Residents share a wonderful pool and a rooftop terrace.

The pool grotto.

Wallpaper by Elitis. Vitsœ storage.

The kitchen. Upper artwork by Stephen Bird. Lower artwork by Lewis Miller. ‘When I bought my place it had recently been given a white makeover but lacked in storage and was blindingly white as the large windows face east. I changed the lighting throughout and added dimmer switches; this has altered the mood tremendously,’ says Leigh.

The dining area. Antique plate on left by Noel McKenna. Plates on right all by Stephen Bird.

Le Klint The Bouquet pendant. Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen & Son CH29 dining chairs. Artek table. Loom vintage rug.

Vintage Hans Wegner oak chest of drawers. Ptolomeo bookcase. Artek bed.

Artwork by Noel Skrzypczak from Neon Parc. Hans Bølling side table. Artemide Tolomeo Table lamp. Photo – Eve Wilson. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

Elitis cushions. Society bed throw. Artemide Tolomeo Table lamp. Vintage Lyfa wall sconce. Artek Stool 60 in Birch.

View to the study from the main bedroom. Lucy Culliton painting. Loom rug.

The study. Artwork clockwise from top left: Julian Martin from Arts Project Australia. Eleanor Louise Butt from Nicholas Thompson Gallery. Noel McKenna from Niagara Galleries. Susie Hansen ceramic figure.

Writer
Amelia Barnes
Photography
Editorial styling
24th of July 2023

Leigh Ellwood first learned about the enchanting 1930s Beverley Hills building in South Yarra, Melbourne 30 years ago.

She admired its Spanish Mission-style architecture with its ornate balustrades and leadlight windows from afar for decades, until purchasing one of the apartments herself in 2021. (You might recall this from our recent podcast episode with the interior designer!)

Leigh has made cosmetic changes to the apartment such as adding new wardrobes and installing wallpaper in the hallway and kitchen to instil a more eclectic, Parisian feel.

The apartment features two bedrooms, a study, and a balcony, and every room has either a north or west-facing window — sometimes both. ‘The north-east aspect and elevation is incredible. The apartment is always light filled and cheery,’ says Leigh.

The interior designer has styled her home to perfection with a collection of rugs, display shelves, and ‘idiosyncratic’ artworks including those by Heather B. Swann, Eleanor Louise Butt, Louise Gresswell, Julian Martin, Stephen Bird, Lewis Miller, and Jon Campbell.

The magic of the Beverley Hills building spans its entire grounds. Residents share a wonderful pool — complete with a grotto and underwater window — and a rooftop terrace. ‘The pool in summer is so fun; there’s always lovely neighbours to chat with poolside,’ Leigh says.

Staircases in the complex are shrouded in tropical greenery that spills out and over from pot plants and towering palm trees above.

Leigh is itching to do another renovation, so she’s decided to sell the wonderful property she’s called home the last two years. ‘I really love Beverley Hills and I’ll miss that safe nest but the next project is calling!’

12/63 Darling Street, South Yarra, Vic 3141 is listed for sale with Belle Property will go to auction at 11.30am, Saturday 12 August.

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