Source : the age
With distinctive details such as ceiling roses and leadlight windows, warm materials including timber flooring and a sense of space created by high ceilings, homes built last century offer unique architectural character and a range of benefits. The craftsmanship and materials also demonstrate these homes’ longevity.
Here are five favourite luxury homes for sale right now that were built more than a century ago.
3 Moule Avenue, Brighton VIC
A Brighton landmark since 1889, “Narellan” is located in the suburb’s Golden Mile.
The Italianate residence features a striking facade with a wraparound verandah, a corner turret and large arched windows that showcase its period elegance.
The interiors – high ceilings, a formal dining room and a billiard room, stained-glass windows and wooden floorboards – continue this.
Renovated throughout, the period style blends with modern updates, evident in the kitchen and the wellness space with a sauna and gym.
Other features include bay views from the private tower room inside the turret, a self-contained two-bedroom guest wing and a dedicated wine cellar.
2a Barry Street, Clovelly NSW
This c. 1920 seaside residence, “Darby”, has been renovated by the award-winning architects Potter & Wilson.
Within walking distance of Clovelly Beach, the three-level home, plus basement, blends modern design with heritage character, using soft curves, arches, Mediterranean architecture and materials such as European oak and jewel-toned quartzite that provide warmth.
Preserved original features include ornate ceilings and the front facade.
The basement includes a wellness studio/cellar, while a rooftop eyrie offers 180-degree ocean views extending to Botany Bay.
Outside, a barbecue terrace and a heated pool create a resort-style oasis in the landscaped backyard.
121-123 Nelson Road, South Melbourne VIC
This c.1920 residence, “Torquay”, has undergone extensive renovation and extension by Statkus Architecture.
Located in the St Vincent Gardens Precinct, close to Albert Park village, the double-fronted, freestanding home showcases its Victorian character through a beautiful, ornate open fireplace and facade.
Modern features include polished concrete floors, Venetian plaster walls, a gourmet stone kitchen with a concealed scullery and a custom walk-in robe with full-height storage in the master bedroom suite.
A highlight is the curved concrete staircase, while outside are Hamilton Landscapes gardens, a paved al fresco area and a mosaic-tiled infinity-edge pool.
33 Bradleys Head Road, Mosman NSW
This Federation home is set on a corner block on approximately 1080 square metres in Clifton Gardens, close to Mosman Village, Bradleys Head and Clifton Gardens Reserve.
Built c.1902, the home features restored sculpted arches, leadlight glazing, pressed-metal ceilings, marble fireplaces, and both formal and informal areas.
There are five bedrooms across two levels, plus a home office and harbour views from the upper floor.
Outside are landscaped gardens, terraces, a saltwater pool, a gated driveway and a lock-up garage.
4 Holmes Street, Toowong QLD
“Kiarraba” is a c.1900 Victorian gentleman’s residence on approximately 2261 square metres in Toowong, close to shopping and dining and Brisbane schools.
Outside, the property features a large swimming pool, easy-care gardens including a herb and veggie patch, wide wraparound verandahs, a private gated entry and a separate visitors’ entry.
The interiors are just as indulgent, with a recreation or games room, formal and informal areas, soaring ceilings and wood-burning fireplaces.
The home is also practical, with four bedrooms, ample indoor and underfloor storage and a country kitchen with a breakfast bar.
