Behind its unassuming façade, this South Yarra residence holds one of Melbourne's most celebrated architectural transformations. Built circa 1936 as a duplex with an apartment on each level, the home was masterfully reworked into a single residence of 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms by award-winning architect Robert Simeoni, a project so acclaimed it collected three of Australian architecture's highest honours in 2019 alone: the John and Phyllis Murphy Award for Alterations and Additions and the Marion Mahony Award for Interior Architecture, both from the Australian Institute of Architects' Victorian Chapter, followed by a National Award from the AIA the same year.
The design draws its spirit from Pierre Chareau's legendary Maison de Verre in Paris (1932), layering in a distinct Belgian sensibility to create interiors defined by light and shadow, and a sense of classic, considered proportion rarely found in a home of this scale.
Interior details continue the story: pendant lights, wall sconces and tapestry furniture throughout are the work of leading designer Susie Stanford, echoing the tapestry pieces originally featured in Chareau's Maison de Verre. In the study, an extraordinary run of 1930s original wall and ceiling sconces sourced from Paris is included in the sale, a rare and authentic link to the era that inspired the home's design.
This house has been home to renowned architecture and design writer, serving as both residence and muse for stories published in leading newspapers and magazines across Australia and internationally. Its acclaim has been recognised in the pages of Wallpaper* (London), Habitus and EstLiving, among numerous other publications. A rare opportunity to own a home where history, craft and architectural pedigree converge, not simply a place to live, but a genuine piece of Melbourne's design story.
Set within a verdant, established garden, this light-filled residence offers a rare combination of comfort and style just moments from South Yarra's best amenities. Warmed throughout by efficient hydronic heating and secured with a comprehensive alarm system, the home provides year-round peace of mind, while flexible spaces and thoughtfully placed garden lighting extend the home into the evening. It's all set within easy reach of Chapel Street, Toorak Road, Fawkner Park and South Yarra Station, placing shopping, dining, green space and transport within easy walking distance.
