Buyers splash big bucks on re-imagined Victorian gem
Moonee Ponds period home displays trendy warehouse-style extension
A Brunswick family who chose to buy rather than build has spent more than $3 million on a Moonee Ponds showpiece.
The luxury five-bedroom house at 13 Sydenham Street sold for $3.28 million on February 15, a week before its sale by set date. It is the suburb’s top sale so far this year, sales records showed.
The family who bought the home had planned to build their dream home, but shelved the idea because of the time and cost of construction, according to Barry Plant Essendon agent Walter Mahch.
“They fell in love with its location, space and feel,” Mr Mahch said.
“And after two inspections, they made the seller an irresistible offer.”
The buyers were bowled over by the style and quality of the renovation that met all their requirements, he added.
The sellers who had lived at the property for 15 years were moving to North Melbourne.
“They slowly renovated the home in recent years to include all the modern conveniences while retaining its old-world charm,” Mr Mahch said.
The re-imagined 1890s double-fronted Victorian house of 53 squares displays original details, complemented by a stunning renovation and an industrial warehouse-style extension.
Sitting pretty on a 550sq m block, it catches the eye with its decorative walls, slate roof and tessellated tiled front veranda with ornate fretwork.
Step inside and discover an arched hallway where spotted gum floorboards and an exposed brick wall bring character and warmth.
Beautifully appointed, the house features a bespoke steel staircase, a glass floor, custom-built wardrobes and plantation shutters.
Full-length glass panels and soaring raked ceilings with skylights and clerestory windows create a bright and airy environment in the spacious living, dining and kitchen domain.
The sleek high-end kitchen showcases an Ilve cooker, a custom-designed concrete waterfall island bench and a fully equipped butler’s pantry.
Ideal when entertaining, the indoor living zone opens to alfresco areas with café heaters and ceiling fans, which flow out to a private garden.
There is a large rumpus room with a wine cellar on the lower ground floor, and a main bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe, luxe ensuite and balcony privately nestled on an upper level.
State-of-the-art fittings include a mesh wi-fi system, app-operated security/CCTV/electric gates, hydronic heating and evaporative cooling.
The property is within strolling distance of vibrant Puckle Street cafés, restaurants, wine bars, shops, elite schools, and train stations.
In January, Moonee Ponds had 105 properties for sale and 122 for rent. The median prices over the last year ranged from $1.55 million for houses to $600,000 for units, according to realestate.com.au data.