For Sale: A Century-Old California Bungalow, Immersed In Nature
On The Market
Spotted gum decking creates a seamless transition between outside and in, with the deck becoming part of the living room.
The deck leads to the backyard and cosy firepit.
Integrated seating below the pine trees, with space for firewood storage, makes a cosy sitting area for a winter fire.
The established pines create a shady spot to sit in summer.
The fernery.
Large sliding windows connect the deck and the sunken lounge.
The sunken lounge.
The owners say the ‘fireplace during winter is really special’.
Skylights ensure natural light fills the home.
The dining room.
The rumpus room.
One of five bedrooms in the home.
The study.
The main bathroom.
The laundry.
The ensuite.
Most rooms have a connection to the outdoors.
The owners say they love to have their morning coffee on the front porch.
The facade is particularly beautiful in November when the jacaranda tree is in full bloom.
Stepping into this century-old California bungalow is akin to taking a breath of fresh air.
With its leafy surrounds and large windows that invite the outdoors in at every opportunity, the cosy family home serves as a cabin-like retreat in the middle of bustling Brunswick West, VIC.
But it wasn’t always like this. When the owners of 7 Wales Street first took it on, it was in desperate need of some love.
The family engaged Architektura to repair and renovate the old home, maintaining its character but adding modern flourishes.
‘It started as a home in need of some love, and the result is a home that is warm, settled and functional,’ says the owner.
From the street the home presents as a renovated period dwelling, however it quickly transitions into a modern and spacious extension that steps down from the original part of the house, elevating the ceilings and immersing itself in nature.
‘The fernery and integrated planter, which has grown to quite incredible proportions, feels like being outdoors,’ explains the owner. ‘You’re always looking at the greenery through the windows too.’
A row of established pines along the fence adds to the cocooning effect, with the family installing integrated seating, firewood storage and a firepit alongside a new timber deck that connects to the sunken lounge inside through large sliding windows.
It’s a home that connects to the outside at every opportunity — something, no doubt, its future owners will enjoy as much as its current owners do.
7 Wales Street, Brunswick West is listed for sale with James Labiris and Liz Walker from Nelson Alexander and will go to auction 10am on Saturday March 29.