Locals to Melbourne’s inside north west will likely be accustomed to ‘Islington’, the 1891-1892 closely ornamented home and former Kensington Property Alternate, situated on a outstanding nook.

The present homeowners of the property, Narelle and Andrew Glynn, have coveted the house since transferring to the realm in 2005.

‘It was in the course of the break between Christmas and New 12 months in 2021 and we have been strolling from our residence in Gower Avenue to purchase a banh mi for lunch in Flemington once we noticed a forthcoming public sale signal had been positioned within the window. Turned out to be a really costly journey for banh mi!’ says Narelle.

‘We have been captivated by its uniqueness and wealthy historical past of Islington. There isn’t a different property fairly prefer it.’

After buying the house, Narelle and Andrew began on a renovation earlier than a job alternative required them to maneuver to Sydney. They’ve since made the powerful resolution to promote Islington, which implies the historic home is again available on the market wanting higher than ever!

Islington and its related workplace (aka the Kensington Property Alternate, now the bottom ground workplace built-in into the house) and stables have been initially designed by architect E Owen Hughes for actual property agent and native id, James Wales, who later grew to become the mayor of Flemington.

Heritage data word the flamboyant design of the constructing exterior, which options pedimented Corinthian pavilions on every elevation, one among which types an arcaded loggia at first ground stage. The nook entrance is accentuated by a primary ground oriel window, and options an octagonal tower above.

Narelle and Andrew are seasoned renovators who labored with heritage guide Fraser Brown of Quadratum to develop plans to revive and renovate the property, with a give attention to balancing the distinctive heritage elements with the wants of up to date household residing.

The couple accomplished the primary section of works previous to transferring to Sydney, together with a considerable renovation to the bottom stage workplace. This renovation added a kitchen, European laundry and en suite, making a self-contained ground that would doubtlessly be rented out as brief time period lodging.

The previous workplace’s interval options stay, together with the marble checkered tiles, hovering ceilings and mahogany entry vestibule that appears like the doorway to Narnia!

Narelle and Andrew have additionally undertaken a full repaint of the interiors, changed all carpets and lighting fixtures, and polished the unique Baltic pine floorboards.

Gorgeous architectural options of the property embody the principle residence’s grand staircase with pressed steel underside, authentic fireplaces, marble mantles, and grand leadlight entry.

‘The historical past oozes from each nook of this place,’ Narelle says.

Heritage approvals are in place to finish the rest of deliberate works to the principle residence and separate stables — together with opening up the bottom ground on the rear and creating a brand new storage and ROW entry off the rear lane — ought to the following homeowners want.

The property presently incorporates six bedrooms and three loos.

Andrew and Narelle are hopeful Islington’s new proprietor can have an identical ardour for restoring heritage houses in order that this very distinctive piece of Melbourne and Kensington’s historical past might be loved for an additional 130 years.

Narelle says, ‘By no means having the chance to dwell within the residence resulting from transferring interstate is disappointing, however we’ve no regrets and really feel assured Islington will fall into secure arms.’

168 Bellair Avenue, Kensington VIC is listed on the market with John Morello, Simon Mason and Carmel Morganti at Jellis Craig and goes to public sale at 12.30pm, Saturday December 16.