Get ready for Coburg to shoot to the top of your most-desired neighbourhoods – our latest Open House exudes effortless luxury in the heart of a vibrant locale. Designed by the imitable Clare Cousins, this classic Victorian mansion known as ‘Koorali’ has been impeccably modernised for contemporary family living. With four bedrooms, three bathrooms and large, lush backyard, this home captures the proportions and elegance of historic homes with a style that’s all its own.

DESIGN Clare Cousins PHOTOGRAPHY Shannon McGrath LISTING AGENT Jellis Craig

One in a pair of Italianate mansionettes, the home was originally built by TJ Crouch, an architect and founding member of the Victorian Institute of Architects. Set on approximately 980m2, the home’s traditional brick exterior cuts a memorable figure amongst the greenery of the front garden. While from the outside you might be fooled into thinking this was an immaculately preserved Victorian, inside tells a very different (and refreshingly individual) aesthetic story. While the original cornices and plaster have indeed endured and the ornate framing of the doors and windows, marble fireplaces and striking central stairway have been preserved, Cousins has tactfully introduced modern conveniences and materials to inject a refined contemporary personality to the home. With a strong foundation to built on – just look at those four-meter ceilings! – Cousins has kept the best of the heritage home while introducing a sense of easy luxury through the effervescent colour palette and decadent material details.

The home’s style and character comes naturally when you realise its current owner is James Tutton, the serial social entrepreneur behind Moonlight Cinemas and Smiling Mind and who is a director of design-led property developer Neometro. Tutton took an active role in the renovation, working with Cousins to establish the choice of interior colours and key features – and there’s no doubt Tutton’s own fresh perspective and passion for design comes through in the finished renovation. The home oozes unpretentious elegance – every space warmly beckons you in.

Located in the middle of a wide tree-lined street, the home is ideally placed if you’re going to base yourself northside. It’s a short stroll over to the hub of activity on Sydney Road where you’ll be overwhelmed with smells, sights and personalities from the various delis, discount shops and groceries. But there’s plenty to enjoy amongst the bustle of Brunswick, from coffee shops like A Minor Place and Wide Open Road to the beautiful homewares and plants at Mr Kitly and some of the best Mexican food in Melbourne at Los Hermanos Mexican Taqueria. One thing’s for sure – you will never be short for choice in this neighbourhood. 

While the design of the home is certainly its most striking feature, we’d be remiss to profile this home and not mention all the perks – and there are many. Sprawling landscaped garden and lawn areas, a spacious entertaining deck and swimming pool, marble benchtops and terrazzo floors, hydronic heating, and significant heritage exterior features – one thing’s for sure, this is certainly not the Coburg of years past.

Open for inspection: Until expressions of interest close September 27th, open every Saturday 3pm to 4pm and Wednesday 1pm to 2pm.

For more details please view the listing here.