Melcombe & Me

I have walked past this home at 25 Melcombe Road, Ivanhoe for many years and love its Modern lines - It's a little more Deco than what I usually go for but I'm sure it appeals to people of many differing tastes. It has been updated in many areas internally but great to see the original bathroom has been left as a showpiece.

Classic exterior - Love the old garages too!

Original Deco fireplace

Original Bathroom

All images courtesy Miles Real Estate

One for Miss Rosanna

This must be one of Greensborough's more interesting homes - 89 Hailes Street, Greensborough is for the Deco lovers out there. I know there are a few of them including Miss Rosanna! (p.s. If you live in the Banyule area you really should check out her fantastic Blog). 

(All images Hocking Stuart Greensborough)

Yep - you know I like a good fireplace! This one looks like varnished bricks - good rich colour - and a mesh curtain to control sparks.

The bigger picture - Fantastic sized room and lovely light pouring in through those curved windows!

Light and Airy - Great access to rear deck.

 This house could look even more fabulous with a slightly more dramatic colour scheme and what I call 'Hollywood Style' landscaping (think green leafy Strelizias, Monsterias and Agave's). 

I worked on a similar style home in Beaumaris a couple of years ago whilst at Austin Design Associates and it transformed the house from a peachy nothing to a house with real 'wow' factor.

Charteris Drive

I have a bit of a 'thing' for steel windows. Probably because I have them in my own home but they are slim lined, easy to use, and give homes an architectural feel - particularly when painted in a dark colour (my long term plan!). This home at 35 Charteris Drive Ivanhoe has steel windows and an unusual Deco style curved window to the front of the house. Somehow I think even in the 1950's that the Art Deco period was looked on as a glorious time! I also love crazy paving and the landscaping at this home displays it in spades!

Images courtesy Jellis Craig Real Estate

High on a Hill....

Just before mid-century modernism there was Art Deco.... a style for which Ivanhoe is particularly renowned.

Sitting proudly on a corner and stretching out to the city view is 'Bukit Raja' at 2 St. Hubert Road, Ivanhoe East. For sale through Miles Real Estate, this once would have been an impressive Art Deco home with potential for amazing views. Sadly the upper extension has not been realised to the quality of the original building and the access is via a spiral staircase placed rather inconveniently in the main entry. Nevetheless, this house has amazing potential. M and I hope to check it over the weekend.... and buy a tatts ticket. 

What a fabulous project it would be!

Impressive at street level (all images courtesy Miles Real Estate)

'Bukit Raja' was apparently an estate town in the Klang district of Selangor, Malaysia housing an oil palm plantation. There were many managers from the UK - I wonder if they later relocated to Ivanhoe East?

Don't trip over the shag covered stair as you walk in!

Original kitchen layout

View to front Terrace - City to the Dandenongs view

Impressive Deco windows