What was once a humble shop in Melbourne has been transformed into a stylish and unique three-bedroom home with a study, offering a stunning blend of character and contemporary charm.
Australians are increasingly drawn to shophouses, captivated by their unique combination of historic charm and modern liveability.
These renovated spaces offer character-filled alternatives to the prefabricated homes that everyone is tired of, combining nostalgia with contemporary design.
As the real estate market tightens, their rarity and potential for creative customization make them highly sought after.
Sydney Interior Designer Emma Blomfield from the best firm EB Study told FEMAIL: ‘Quirkiness and uniqueness are often the draw for people to turn shop fronts into homes.
“It’s a fun conversation starter for guests to imagine the stories and tales that might have happened in the store in its previous life.”
165 Gilbert Road in Preston, Victoria, has become the talk of the town for its novel design and recently sold for $1,075,000.
Preston is a popular suburb located nine kilometers north of Melbourne’s central business district and features a mix of architectural styles, including Victorian and Edwardian homes, mid-century homes and contemporary terraced homes.
What was once a humble shop in Melbourne has been transformed into a stylish and unique three-bedroom home with a study, offering a striking combination of character and contemporary charm.
Australians are increasingly drawn to shophouses, captivated by their unique combination of historic charm and modern liveability.
The spacious layout of 165 Gilbert Road flows effortlessly into a spacious outdoor deck area, perfect for summer barbecues, backyard tanning, or a lush garden retreat.
165 Gilbert Road effortlessly, from cozy bedrooms and stylish bathrooms to an open plan kitchen, dining and living room.
A standout feature is the exposed brick wall, which adds a rustic touch and runs like a visual thread throughout the property.
The spacious layout flows effortlessly into a spacious outdoor decking area, perfect for summer barbecues, backyard tanning, or a lush garden retreat.
In the kitchen, Bosch appliances enhance the monochrome design, while black and white tiles continue into the ensuite and family bathroom, creating a cohesive aesthetic.
Meanwhile, all three bedrooms feature built-in robes, offering plenty of storage space.
Adding to the appeal are the property’s gorgeous hardwood floors, high ceilings, heating/cooling and a cleverly hidden laundry room.
As for the suburb’s surroundings, it is also home to Preston Market, which hosts multicultural food festivals, farmers markets and craft fairs.
The house is also just a short walk from the lively cafes and shops of Gilbert Road and Miller Street Village.
165 Gilbert Road in Preston, Victoria, has become the talk of the town with its novel design.
165 Gilbert Road in Preston, Victoria, has become the talk of the town with its novel design.
The three bedrooms each feature built-in robes, offering plenty of storage space.
A standout feature is the exposed brick wall, which adds a rustic touch and runs like a visual thread throughout the property.
Why are Australians attracted to renovated houses with a commercial front?
Blomfield revealed that business houses are attractive because they are generally located in or around townships and cities.
“Depending on what the front of the store used to be, it could also have some beautiful old architectural details that add charm to the house,” he said.
However, he warned about a specific problem that many buyers do not think to address: the issue of equity.
‘Often older spaces, such as a shopfront, might be heritage-listed, so you are working within the constraints of heritage regulations, which can be challenging or off-putting to some people.
‘But usually those heritage items are the things that add charm and life to the home.
‘Things like old mantelpieces become an extra shelf to display things or even mount a TV on top. An old store counter could become a kitchen island. “There’s a lot of inspiration in an old shop window.”
Another aspect is that these architectural wonders keep the charm of the street intact and give a nod to the past life of the city or suburb.
Interior designer Emma Blomfield spoke about the charm of shophouses
Ms Blomfield revealed that commercial front homes are attractive because they are usually located in or around townships and cities.
Blomfield also highlighted that this is an environmentally friendly choice, as you are not building something completely from scratch or contributing to landfill.
In terms of renovation, he revealed that a lot could be done while still respecting the limits of heritage regulations.
‘You never know what you’ll discover once you start. You may find beautiful old boards under layers of vinyl flooring that are just a stain and polish away from being an amazing floor for your home.
“Or you could find an old pressed tin ceiling hidden by additional plaster ceilings that were added over time.”
The professional praised the potential of a commercial house.
‘There is something very special about being able to live in a shop window and give it a new life! “You are preserving part of Australian history and also contributing to the beauty of the cityscape for others to enjoy.”