22 GRATTAN PLACE, RICHMOND
3 bed, 2 bath, 2 ca
Original character, impeccably sensitive restorations and clever extensions maintain the dynamic grandeur of this solid brick Richmond Victorian terrace.
A short walk from the MCG and Jolimont Gardens, hidden behind a secure, unassuming entrance lies an array of perfectly preserved period surprises among modern-day comforts.
Elegant dual living areas off the grand entrance hall, comprising of lounge and formal dining separated by fireplaces, connect to a central, north-facing bluestone patio.
A state-of-the-art kitchen fitted with Euro appliances, and a light- filled sitting room, also have access to the patio.
A small under-stair powder-room completes the ground floor, while three generous bedrooms and two exquisite bathrooms adorn the second level. Soaring ceilings and hardwood flooring are befitting of the home, built in 1897.
For the wine-conscious, the house features a cellar that can accommodate more than 400 bottles.
Further attributes include four traditional fireplaces, two which are functional with gas inserts, built-in robes, garden shed/workshop and a double carport with secure access to Grattan Place.
Outdoor connectivity from several points ensure this spacious home is swathed in natural light.
Vendor Colin Pidd and wife, Marie Larkin, have owned the property for about 10 years. The couple added a further extension and other enhancements. "We refurbished the kitchen and put in a brand new bathroom upstairs, an extra bedroom and a laundry," Pidd says.
The house had been extended at ground level by the previous owner. What Pidd did was to bring the upstairs out to meet the ground floor extension, and added a balcony.
Because of the home's proximity to Punt Rd, he also undertook modifications to make it completely soundproof.
The location allows easy access to the city. "It is less than a five minute walk to the parkland around the MCG and about another four-minutes stroll to the ground itself," Pidd said..
'We loved living there. We had been inner-city people all of our adult life.
"To be honest, at first we thought Richmond might have been a bit too far out. But we were delighted with the restaurants, places to go and the beautiful walk into the city. If it were not for the fact we decided to have a genuine sea-change, we'd still be there. "
The couple has bought a five-acre property at Yannyake, in South-East Gippsland, but will retain an apartment in the city.
"It was possible because of our work. We could do more of it virtually, so it gave us the opportunity to have an adventure, he said."
For young families, the location is close to Richmond Primary and Richmond High School is nearby in Griffiths St.
PRICE GUIDE:$1.85m to $2m
AGENT: Jellis Craig, Richmond. Call Trent Stewart 0403 051 980
