Motorbikes once passed through its doors — now it's a six-level Melbourne home with a rooftop retreat, voted the most iconic warehouse conversion on realestate.com.au this month.
Warehouse conversions never really go out of style; the soaring ceilings and exposed bricks and steel beams offer history and character no new build can fake.
And this month, Australians voted on the most iconic one on the market.
The six level CBD warehouse conversion includes off-street parking for three vehicles, a commercial lift servicing all levels, and dual laneway access. Picture: realestate.com.au
The winner was a slim and tall Melbourne laneway spectacle with a sign on its façade that reads Triumph, Yamaha, Honda — a hint the space at 16-18 Guildford Lane once housed motorbikes, though its exact past is a mystery.
What's certain is what it's become: a four-bedroom, six-level showpiece of architectural design, with each level a different personality.
The current owner bought the building 16 years ago and enlisted Melbourne architect Peter McIntyre — best known for Kew's iconic Cliff House — to reimagine it.
There's a large entertaining area and outdoor kitchen. Picture: realestate.com.au
There's a workshop and games room on the ground floor, a self-contained two-bedroom apartment on level one, a main bedroom suite and floor-to-ceiling library on level two, and a showstopping kitchen, lounge with fireplace and terrace on level three, linked by a dramatic spiral stair. A studio occupies level four, while the rooftop delivers a fireplace, outdoor kitchen and sweeping city views.
Add parking for three cars, a commercial lift and dual laneway access, and it's a rare inner-city trophy.
"It's one of the more unique assets that we've had the pleasure of selling," said Lachlan Castran at Castran, who's been in real estate for 20 years. "Every time I'm there, something else catches my eye."
A piece of history in the heart of the city. Picture: realestate.com.au
Priced at $6.8m–$7.4m, the property is generating more enquiries than any other listing in Castran's near-100-strong portfolio — from local buyers and returning expats alike.
Part of the appeal is its flexibility: with Capital City zoning, it could become a wellness centre, creative studio or professional office, or be split into multiple residences (STCA).
Mr Castran says he's seeing genuine demand for places with soul.
"People want to feel connected to where they live, not stuck behind high fences in suburbs."
Even the streetscape has character here, lined by outdoor plants thanks to a community initiative.
The historic property has been reimagined by architect Peter McIntyre. Picture: realestate.com.au
Mr Castran said buying a warehouse conversion is always exciting, because there's a limited number of them.
"Being able to secure them is a challenge and then converting them is a further challenge, so to have one that's fully improved is outstanding."
Iconic runners-up
The runners-up for warehouse conversions in the latest realestate.com.au poll were equally striking examples of the past transformed for the present.
The Pigeon Shed has been transformed into a stunning 3-level home. Picture: realestate.com.au/sold
At 42-44 Pine Street in Sydney's Chippendale, the Pigeon Shed is a three-level conversion by MCK Architects that features a dramatic triple‑height void, a choice of terraces and a pool, which sold recently for an undisclosed price.
The four-bedroom home sits inside the 1930s cereal factory, Weeties Warehouse. Picture: realestate.com.au
Over in North Fremantle, a 1930s cereal factory at 11/5 Harvest Road has been reborn as an award-winning three-level family home, complete with four bedrooms, a statement spiral staircase and an interior garden wrapped around a pool. It's listed at $4.15m.
The former home of the Victorian Movie Makers' Society has been repurposed for a luxurious life on the city fringe. Picture: realestate.com.au
And in Melbourne's Fitzroy, 2–4 Napier Street was once home to 1950s film society Victorian Movie Makers.
Today it's a striking tri-level residence with soaring nine-metre ceilings and a rooftop terrace overlooking the city, priced at $3.1m–$3.4m.
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