David and Megan Robinson came across their Victorian terrace after inspecting several others in Carlton North. The area is lined with rows of similarly charming properties from the 1880s, but the three-bedroom house at 485 Station Street had the added benefit of being fully renovated and move-in ready!
Andrew Simpson Architects have ‘reimagined’ the period residence for modern family living, crafting a light-filled extension at the rear that offered the Robinsons the ‘best of both worlds, with stunning heritage details and contemporary design’.
‘We instantly loved it,’ Cooper Robinson Interiors founder Megan says. ‘As Andrew’s design is so well done, we didn’t feel the need to change anything apart from a few personal adjustments.’ These included updating the floorboards to light oak timber, adding luxe carpeting upstairs, and creating additional wardrobe space.
Inside, the two-storey terrace features a formal living room and a family room with an open fireplace – which has been a cosy and ‘comfortable nest’ for the Robinson family, their daughters, and golden retrievers over the past five years. Steps lead up into the dining room, where a sculptural, geometric ceiling hangs above the kitchen!
‘It’s been an amazing place to entertain in,’ Megan adds. ‘We’ve had so many drinks, dinners, and parties here. As a stylist, I’ve used its features to my full advantage, draping the balustrade and mantles with all manner of greenery and fresh flowers. In summer, we throw the doors open to the courtyard; we’ve even had a taco truck in the back lane!’
They’ve also appreciated the neighbourhood’s quieter village feel with the city, Lygon Street, Edinburgh Gardens and Princes Park at their doorstep.
‘We moved here to be close to VCA and Melbourne University for our three daughters, but now they’ve all graduated and moved out (we think!), we’re ready for a change,’ Meagan says. ‘It’s a large and happy family home; we’d love nothing more than another family to enjoy it.’
485 Station Street, Carlton North is listed with David Sanguinedo and Charlie Barham at Nelson Alexander and will go to auction on Saturday 22 October at 10.00am.
