WATERFRONT ICON RETURNS TO MARKET

Anyone familiar with Port Phillip Bay knows the eclectic mix of prime properties along the popular waterfront strip of Beaconsfield Parade. Now one of the coveted residences has come to market for the first time in more than 20 years.

Carnane is an address with the best of both worlds – art deco charm blended with contemporary sophistication.

Originally built around 1915 as four smaller flats, the property has been transformed behind its period facade to reveal a modern designer interior crafted for family living.

Reimagined by Buro Architects and interiors, the five-bedroom, four-bathroom house was shortlisted back in 2008 for an Australian Interior Design Award and subsequently appeared in multiple design magazines.

Last sold in 2005 for $2.32 million, Carnane is now listed with a price guide of $14 million to $15 million. The expressions of interest campaign, via Ben Manolitsas, Melissa Turner, and Thomas Wilson of Marshall White Port Phillip, closes on April 9.

What anchors the historic bayside home in the 21st century is the moody, cantilevered steel staircase set just inside the entry foyer. Sculptural in every sense of the word, the “floating” stairs make a bold statement at first sight and even discreetly conceal a refrigerated wine cellar and bar.

The long 580 sq m footprint and three-story layout allow for a convenient separation between entertainment and accommodation zones. In the shell of the original Art Deco facade, there are two sitting areas framed by deep bay windows.

Beyond the iconic stairs, a gallery walkway leads through to the dining room and show-stopping kitchen. A design statement in itself, the sleek black kitchen has Gaggenau appliances, hidden storage, a grand island bench, a casual meals area, and a vast butler’s pantry with a second entry to cater for any sized soirée.

This ground level has marble floors, Venetian-plastered walls, and full-height glazing, as well as the mammoth rear extension. The stylish addition dishes up another large living room, warmed by an ethanol fireplace, and enormous timber-framed sliding doors that open onto the private north-facing pool deck and lush landscaped gardens.

An internal courtyard offers homeowners a bonus green space, separating the formal and informal dining zones.

Upstairs, there is yet another living area and an adjoining study that mirror the bay windows below and capture sweeping views of the bay. There are two bedrooms with built-ins sharing a palatial family bathroom, as well as the main bedroom with a walk-in Polyform wardrobe, extra built-ins, motorised blinds, and an ensuite with a shower.

One more floor up, a top-level guest or teenager retreat with a bathroom, kitchenette, living area, and a huge water-facing terrace. Additionally, the triple garage, accessed via Ashworth St, has its own fully independent studio.

The Beaconsfield Pde home also has spotted gum floors, a video intercom, an alarm, an integrated sound system, abundant storage, and zoned heating and cooling, all within walking distance of Middle Park village, Albert Park Lake, and city-bound transport.

Carnane at 245 Beaconsfield Pde, Middle Park is listed with a price guide of $14 million to $15 million through Marshall White Port Phillip via an expressions of interest campaign closing on April 9.