This is a very regretful sale of a lovingly and meticulously restored workers cottage on a huge block on wide, leafy Ligar Street in sought-after Soldiers Hill. No expense was spared in using the highest quality materials, fittings and trades as this was intended to be a long-term family home.
The house has been completely reframed and is throughly fitted with the highest quality insulation for walls and ceilings to provide year-round thermal comfort and private, sound-tight rooms.
The owners reinstated original high ceilings, which had been hidden by the 1950s addition of lowered ceilings. Two fireplaces were discovered behind concreted, plastered and tiled walls. The original brick walls and fireplaces have been painstakingly repointed by a local specialist, who also built new hearths. Original hardwood floors have also been uncovered, restored and are ready for polish.
New weatherboards have been installed to fully replace deteriorating original boards, which were found underneath vinyl cladding. The boards are weather-sealed and have recently been painted a neutral, low sheen creamy-grey. A new over-height solid timber front door was painted a semi-gloss dark olive green, following the colour palette created for the house by a Melbourne interior designer (whose scheme is available to the buyer, if they wish).
New windows are double-glazed with counter-balanced, double-hung solid timber frames. Door heights inside are also custom-designed for height to enhance the feeling of spaciousness with the high ceilings. One front bedroom was reoriented, with the door moved from the hallway to be French doors that open up onto the ‘snug’ (reading room), which has beautiful diffused southern light pouring in from a new angled ceiling window.
The house has been completely rewired to code with a new switchboard, downlights, brass welcome light and ceiling fans. The front garden has been raised, levelled and recently laid with a concrete slab for courtyard development (the concept for which the owners would also be happy to share).
The massive block (~660m2) allows for a sizeable extension, including garage, with plenty of room to spare for a large garden. There are nine olive trees and other fruits including apricots, pears and citrus. The house has a gorgeous elevated aspect with views of Black Hill.
The sale includes council and heritage approved plans for an extension and builders drawings. Buyers who welcome an introduction to the Melbourne based architect can pick-up where things sit and proceed to selection of builder and permits.
However, there is plenty of scope for a renovation of your own design. The owners had planned to demolish the lean-to in preparation for building, but with not too much work or expenditure, it could be converted into a cute kitchen and bathroom. The Soldiers Hill rental market is as tight as it comes; a quick completion would yield a very attractive return.
This property is full of potential and will suit discerning renovators, investors and young families considering a tree-change. It has beautiful light, lovely character and is part of a very friendly neighbourhood.
