It looks like a dingy old warehouse down a dark Melbourne laneway. But few know about the breathtaking secret hidden behind its doors…
Behind an unassuming warehouse façade in a Melbourne laneway lies a towering hideaway that oozes pure style and innovation.
Down Guildford Lane in the city’s CBD, the old building has been transformed into an impossibly cool multi-level house that looks straight out of an art magazine.
Among the many features of the four-bedroom, three-bathroom property are its rooftop garden, a games room and a creative studio – and that’s just scratching the surface.
The loft-style home, which is currently on the market for $6.8million – $7.4million, is set over 534sqm and has been reimagined across six levels of light-filled interior.
Entry to the home is via a commercial lift which greets guests and provides easy access to every level within the house.
Starting from the bottom with the mezzanine, you’ll find a versatile entertainment zone. There’s also a workshop and a games room with a billiards table, as well as an abundance of storage space.
With its own dedicated rear access, the mezzanine has the potential to serve as a flexible space for creative, recreational, or even professional use.
Moving into the main house, Level One is a fully self-contained two-bedroom apartment.
Behind an unassuming warehouse façade in a Melbourne laneway lies a towering hideaway that oozes pure style and innovation
A rooftop that’s ready-made for entertaining guests is one of the showpieces of the property. There’s also a private commercial lift that allows easy access to all floors in the home
On Level One is a fully self-contained apartment – offering privacy and amenities for guests or family staying over
The sellers – an artist and her husband – bought the ex-motorbike showroom warehouse in 2008
Complete with its own kitchen, living area and bathroom, this is a home-away-from-home for visitors who’ve come to stay, or could even be used to accommodate extended family living under one roof.
Level Two – also known as the Owner’s Level – is where you’ll find the bedrooms along with other quiet spaces.
The generous main bedroom comes complete with an extensive walk-in robe and ensuite.
Also on this floor is a second bedroom, a separate powder room and a library space that provides a personal retreat for reading or work.
Moving up to Level Three, you enter the main kitchen and its adjacent informal living zone. This is a casual spot that’s abundant with natural light – and it comes fully kitted out with all the mod cons.
There’s a commercial-style kitchen complete with walk-in pantry, as well as a terrace with a built-in barbecue.
Also on this level is an open fireplace and built-in daybeds – perfect for lounging around.
Level Two – known as the Owner’s Level – is a quiet space where you’ll find the main bedrooms
A library on Level Two is the ideal quiet space for reading and retreating
The kitchen, dining and lounge space on Level Three is an informal space perfect for everyday living
The mezzanine level has its own rear lane access and features a games room
A signature spiral staircase – which is also visible from the lane – provides both a dramatic architectural statement on this level, as well as a functional connection between the main living floors.
Level Four is where creativity can be unleashed. This level features a full studio and design space as well as additional outdoor areas. It’s also where you’ll find a fully equipped laundry.
At last you arrive at Level Five – the rooftop. Immersed within the Melbourne city skyscape, this is an extraordinary private entertaining space with serious wow factor.
The impressive rooftop features an open fireplace, a fully equipped indoor and outdoor kitchen, an undercover dining zone, and sweeping inner-city views.
Lush greenery and planter boxes on the rooftop create a leafy backdrop amongst the buildings, offering a secluded space to host friends or unwind high above the city bustle.
Parking will never be a problem, either, with the property including space for three cars thanks to a stacker in the garage.
All in all, this property marries Melbourne’s laneway charm with striking contemporary architectural design – offering a unique combination of lifestyle and versatility.
For the right person, there’s potential to sleep, eat, work and play – all in one.
Creative types will love the property’s fourth level, which offers a studio and design space
Make your way up to the rooftop and you find a private leafy space in the midst of the bustling city
The level five rooftop features an open fireplace, a fully equipped indoor and outdoor kitchen, an undercover dining zone and sweeping inner-city views
The warehouse conversion was once a motorbike showroom
The sellers – an artist and her husband – bought the ex-motorbike showroom warehouse in 2008.
Under the guidance of acclaimed architect Professor Peter McIntyre, they have now transformed the property into a quirky city oasis.
Victorian real estate agency Castran is handling the sale, with their director Lachlan Castran telling Daily Mail that this remarkable hidden home is ‘a multi-level architectural residence of rare scale and versatility’.
From its prime CBD laneway position to its glorious size, dual access entry, commercial lift, additional Capital City zoning – and all without Owners Corporation constraints – Lachlan says that this is truly one of a kind.
‘Adaptable as a residence, studio, or live-work environment, it offers a level of scale, flexibility and permanence that cannot be replicated in Melbourne’s tightly held city core,’ he said.
