Bree Johnson’s mum instructed her to at all times purchase property close to the ‘three ps’: parks, public transport, and pubs.

This circa 1888 Richmond, Melbourne home met all these necessities and extra, with its double-fronted two-storey Victorian facade coated in vines.

Bree had lengthy been acquainted with the Richmond residence, from usually parking her automotive in the identical avenue when going to work because the co-founder of magnificence label Frank Physique, and branding company Willow & Blake.

The mid-Victorian symmetrical brick home is situated on one among Richmond’s oldest streets, and is traditionally vital because of its unusual two-storey scale.

Bree and her husband Steve Rowley (co-founder of Frank Physique, Buddy Capital, and Sixty-One Hospitality Group) have been away when the home initially got here up on the market six years in the past. They have been in a position to attend the final inspection, and purchased the property at public sale later that day.

‘We purchased it from a girl referred to as Mary who handed away and donated all of the earnings to most cancers analysis. Everybody tells me she was an unbelievable woman,’ says Bree.

The couple have lived right here ever since with their two youngsters Ned (3) and Hugo (2). Bree says the household fortunately dwell in a ‘bubble’ that features their workplaces, residence, and native cafe all inside strolling distance.

‘I’ll usually see a minimum of three folks I do know on this journey,’ says Bree. ‘I actually respect that morning connection, even when it’s only a wave throughout the park or a “Hello, how are you” as you cross paths on the road.’

Bree and Steve have maintained the heritage a part of the house and changed the rear with a brand new light-filled addition designed by Due to this fact Studio.

‘The thought is that the entrance of the home is a contemporary interpretation of heritage, and the extension is against this is fashionable Australian utilising off-form concrete, metal and plenty of timber,’ says Bree.

‘It’s extra reflective of us as folks — minimal, inexperienced, and full of sunshine — whereas Frank and our workplace is extra reflective of that model — enjoyable, quirky and inventive.’

A lightwell and courtyard attracts nature into the house, guaranteeing mild and greenery is seen from each room. ‘My son calls our home the leaf home, and I feel that’s an exquisite description as we did give attention to guaranteeing there’s a connection between outdoors and in,’ says Bree.

Unsurprisingly, Bree and Steve are frequently requested about their residence’s facade. They frequently preserve the ficus pumila (or ‘creeping fig’) rising throughout the facade, with twice yearly visits from Will Gibson Gardens.