Clever conversion of a historic Melbourne corner shop

Clever conversion of a historic Melbourne corner shop

There is nowhere Scott Druce, the director of stationery and homewares retailer Telegram Co, and his partner Dan Creasey would rather be than relaxing at their mid-century modern home in Melbourne’s inner north. It’s hardly surprising given their home is so spectacular: a 19th-century corner shop dramatically dovetailed with a sleek modern extension.

Dan (left) and Scott with their spoodle Kirby. Turkish silver travertine floor tiles (throughout).

When the couple bought the home two years ago, it was a far cry from the smart property it had been in its heyday. “It was completely rundown,” says Scott. “The character had been stripped out over the years and a 1950s lean-to at the rear was structurally unsound. We really wanted to reinstate the heritage aspects and to enhance them. Then we began thinking about a new addition.”

Greenery planted along the boundary wall creates the feel of a private walled garden. Scott and Dan made the dining table themselves. “It was a fun project,” says Scott. “We had the steel frame made up then constructed the top out of reclaimed timber we found at a local timber yard.” House Doctor dining chairs, from Telegram Open House.

Scott and Dan’s first step was researching the history of the home. “It was fascinating,” says Scott. “It was built in 1883 as a bakery, then later used as a general store. There had once been stables out the back where people left their horses while they shopped.”

They began by restoring the red-brick structure, which today contains a library, bathroom, guestroom and shared home office.

Original brick is a feature in the modern addition, ensuring the sense of history is retained throughout. Sofa bought in Korea. Coffee table and stools, from Clickon Furniture.

Next, Scott and Dan tackled the extension. Their vision was for a simple yet striking Colorbond-clad addition and tasked building company Modscape with its construction.

A spiral staircase looks dramatic and takes up less floor space than a linear design.

In seemingly no time at all, their dreams became a reality. “The whole process was incredibly quick – just 12 weeks between the time we signed the contract and when we moved in,” says Scott. “The structure was built off-site and craned in place in two hours. Neighbours left for work in the morning to a half-empty block and returned to what was almost a completely finished home. It was jaw dropping.”

The main bedroom is on a mezzanine level, with an ensuite and walk-in wardrobe behind the bedhead wall. Bed, from Mark Tuckey. The chair was a second-hand store bargain.

The extension is what really sets this home apart. There’s a light and airy glass-walled open-plan kitchen/dining/living zone on the ground floor, from which a sculptural spiral staircase leads to the couple’s bedroom suite. In the backyard, a shimmering new pool, sauna and lush garden beckon.

“Our ensuite is my favourite room in the house,” says Scott. Wall tiles, from Genesis Tiles. Mirror, from Organic Modernism. Corian vanity. Tapware, from Reece.

Self-confessed minimalists, less is undeniably more as far as this duo is concerned. “We wanted to be surrounded by pieces that we use all the time, so we very deliberately kept only the items we really treasure,” says Scott.

The furnishings – many of which are cherished vintage pieces, others picked up in Asia while Scott was on buying trips – are set against a neutral backdrop of predominantly white walls and joinery, tactile timber and stone floors, and large expanses of glass. The result is highly functional and incredibly calm.

The addition is designed to make the most of the 500m2 corner site, connecting with the streetscape from several vantage points. And upstairs in their tranquil retreat, Scott and Dan look out over the treetops in the neighbouring streets.

This home may be a world away from its former life as a bustling shop, but its new incarnation feels equally thrilling. “Walking in the door is always a great feeling,” says Scott.

Original article and pictures take www.homestolove.com.au site