A former milk bar and Victorian house renovated into an award-winning family sanctuary with a secret garden is heading to auction this weekend.
The four-bedroom house at 558 Rae Street in Fitzroy North goes under the hammer on Saturday 21 February, with a price guide of $3.9-$4.29 million.
And it’s proving to be very popular, with more than 250 groups inspecting the home during the campaign.
Acclaimed Melbourne architects Kennedy Nolan designed the renovation in 2019 while retaining the original late-Victorian weatherboard façade and perimeter wall.
The internal courtyards were landscaped by Amanda Oliver. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
At the heart of the home are stunning internal courtyards landscaped by Amanda Oliver that resemble a secret garden, adorned in hanging greenery while filling the adjoining living zones with natural light.
A series of well-designed internal zones wrap around the courtyards and flow through to a double garage and vegetable patch at the rear of the property.
The Victorian facade was preserved during the renovation. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
The kitchen and adjoining butler’s pantry feature panelled joinery and a freestanding statement cooker, layered with premium appliances and tactile materials.
Four bedrooms and two well-appointed bathrooms are flooded with natural light thanks to skylights above both showers.
The renovation was designed by acclaimed Melbourne architects Kennedy Nolan. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
Selling agent Mark Verrocchi of Nelson Alexander said it was a special listing that was close to his heart.
“I've known this place for my entire life because it used to be our local milk bar,” he said.
The former milk bar and attached Victorian home were transformed into a stunning family residence. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
“I used to live around the corner and my mum would send me to get milk, bread and other things from there. I even used to play tennis against the large brick wall on the north side.
“I was lucky enough to sell this property to the current vendors, and they have done an incredible job transforming this home.”
The kitchen and adjoining butler’s pantry feature panelled joinery and a freestanding cooker. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
Mr Verrocchi said the property was “truly unique”.
“Kennedy Nolan architects have put all of their unique style into the home and it is one for the ages,” he said.
“It’s special in every way, especially in its use of shape and form.
The internal courtyards fill the living zones with natural light. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
“It’s all on one level, it utilises all of the 550 sqm available, and it uses different materials throughout, from concrete to exposed wood to steel.
“It's a breath of fresh air because it ticks all of the boxes for a lot of buyers.”
There have been more than 250 home inspections during the campaign. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
He said the renovated home had been recognised with multiple national and state architecture awards.
In addition, the property has extensive solar infrastructure supported by Tesla battery storage, as well as hydronic heating throughout and underfloor bathroom heating.
It also has zoned ducted air conditioning, three-phase power, EV charging capability and advanced security systems.
The courtyards feel like a secret garden in inner Melbourne. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
Mr Verrocchi said it had been an enormous campaign so far, with more than 250 inspections.
“The campaign has done incredibly well, we’ve seen an array of buyers and demographics looking at the home,” he said.
“We’ve seen everyone from young families to downsizers.”
The property is located moments from Merri Creek trails and village shopping along St Georges Road, Nicholson Street and East Brunswick Village.
It is also situated within the coveted Merri Creek Primary School zone, appealing to family buyers.
Fitzroy North’s median house price grew 8.6% to $1.6725 million during the year to January, while unit prices increased 9.5% to $706,000, according to PropTrack.
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