For Sale: An Architect-Designed Townhouse In Melbourne’s Inner North
On The Market
The street view of 191B Miller Street, Thornbury. Photo – Tom Ross
Terrazzo adds playful personality to the kitchen. Photo – Tom Ross
The view from the rear deck. Photo – Tom Ross
The wholesome story behind this Melbourne townhouse is a true family affair.
Well Grounded Building director Stephen Ward and his wife Anna purchased the property from Anna’s family, who had owned the Thornbury block since the 1980s.
After living there for five years, the two generations decided to knock-down the original bungalow in order to create two townhouses on the suburban block — creating one home for Anna and Stephen’s young family, and a place for the downsizing grandparents.
And when it came to finding an architect to handle the design, Stephen’s sister Tara Ward (of acclaimed Melbourne architects Fowler and Ward) was a natural fit.
They also enlisted boutique builders ProvanBuilt, who were ‘perfectionists’ about every detail.
While the project was completed a few years ago now, the house looks just as good as the day it was built.
‘It is messier with children, but the finishes and details have survived both time and kids,’ Stephen reflects, having just listed 191B Miller Street for sale as the family sets their sights on a larger property.
The two-storey townhouse enjoys its own entry and front yard, as the timber door opens to reveal burnished concrete floors inside, where pops of terrazzo and carefully considered joinery help make the most of the compact floor plan.
In the living spaces at the rear, expansive double-glazed doors slide back to a delightful outdoor deck — which fills the home with natural light, even in the middle of winter!
‘Fowler and Ward have placed the windows with such care and consideration. We see either see greenery or sky through every window without any direct sunlight,’ Stephen says.
‘The house is extremely comfortable year-round due to the double-glazed windows, insulation and utilisation of thermal mass. We hardly use the heating and only need to put the aircon on when it is extremely hot.’
In addition to their long-held love for the friendly neighbourhood, Stephen says the location is ideal.
‘It’s 100 metres from the Merri Creek and parklands. Not to mention High Street is a 15 minute walk away.’
191B Miller Street, Thornbury, VIC is for sale with James Labiris from Nelson Alexander Ivanhoe and will go to auction on Saturday August 30 at 10am.