The double-fronted Carlton North house dates back to the 1890s.
Prominent ex-criminal barrister Brian Rolfe and his art dealer wife Kalli have listed their historic Carlton North house with a $7.5m-$8.25m range.
Before his retirement, Mr Rolfe worked on several high-profile cases including former underworld figure Mick Gatto’s acquittal over the shooting of alleged hit man Andrew “Benji” Veniamin at Carlton restaurant La Porcella in 2004.
After Mr Gatto walked out of court, Mr Rolfe told reporters that his then-client’s first wish after 15 months in custody was to have a good meal, “Probably in Carlton but not at La Porcella”.
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Mr Rolfe’s other clients included the late Carlton Crew member Mario Condello, gangster Alphonse Gangitano who was known as the “Black Prince of Lygon Street”, iconic furniture retailer’s Franco Cozzo’s son Luigi Cozzo and soccer player Con Boutsianis.
Mr Rolfe was interviewed for the 2009 documentary Dead Famous, in which Herald Sun crime writer Andrew Rule and The Age journalist John Silvester analysed the violence and corruption of Melbourne’s underworld as depicted in the original Underbelly television series.
And Ms Rolfe’s art consultancy and dealership specialises in high-end Australian contemporary art.
The backyard pool, a rarity in Carlton North, is surrounded by greenery.
Defence lawyers Stephen Shirrefs and Brian Rolfe attending a 2004 hearing at the Magistrates Court in relation to Mick Gatto. Picture: John Hart.
The kitchen is adjacent to a living and dining area.
Nelson Alexander partner Charlie Barham said the couple’s “landmark” circa-1890 double storey, double-fronted Victorian-era balcony terrace was one of Carlton North’s most significant period houses.
“The current owners bought the home in 1985 and carried out a comprehensive renovation in the late 1980s, including the rear extension,” he said.
“In the years that followed, they added the pool and double garage – the work was well ahead of its time and has held up incredibly well.”
Mr Barham said private pools were a rarity in Carlton North homes.
“Block sizes in Carlton North are generally tighter, so having a pool is a real luxury and typically only seen in some of the larger, more substantial homes,” he said.
They owners have raised their family at the house, hosted many gatherings across the years and now enjoy having their grandchildren visit.
Enjoy a coffee on the balcony which takes in a verdant view.
The five-bedroom residence’s front room could easily function as a sixth bedroom or an office.
“It oozes grandeur and period charm, but it’s also a very liveable family home,” Mr Barham added.
Given the Ms Rolfe’s vocation, the residence is also ideal for showcasing art.
“The scale of the rooms, the wall space and the natural light all lend themselves to displaying significant pieces,” Mr Barham noted.
Mr Barham says the home is ready to move into but offers scope for the next owner to personalise or further enhance it over time.
Mr Barham also says that opportunities like this home do not come up often in Carlton North, particularly with this house’s size, presence and history.
“The home has held some very notable works over the years, including original pieces by Howard Arkley, Juan Davila, Christine Heally, Alison Burton and Anne Wallace and it’s always had that slightly gallery-like feel without losing its warmth as a home.”
Mr Barham said families looking to upsize, downsizers wanting to be closer to their children and grandkids, and buyers who appreciated the abode’s presence and history were among main buyers.
Expressions of interest close on June 2.
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