As the most ‘European’ city in Australia it seems fitting that Melbourne is where this classic and refined house is situated. Designed 19 years ago by Rob Mills Architecture & Interiors for a couple with Italian heritage, the three-bedroom home is grand and elegant with significant traditional architectural detailing, yet is completely congruent with contemporary living.
Located on a wide, leafy street in an upmarket area of the city, the house occupies a plot that was subdivided in the area’s semi-rural days. When the owners, a pair of empty-nesters, bought the property, a modest 1960s residence occupied the site. They had a grander vision, however, and approached Rob to design a new house. It was to be a home to suit their lifestyle but also to serve as a comfortable and generous gathering place for visiting adult children and grandchildren.
The owners engaged Rob as they felt “he understood space and light within a home”. Rob, in turn, pays tribute to the owners, saying they have ‘real style’. “Clients are often very humble and don’t express all their desires but I knew the sort of home this couple would really enjoy, where they would feel comfortable and belong.”
The home’s Italianate influences reference the owners’ heritage, but Rob describes the house as “very Melbourne”, calling to mind places with a similar climate such as southern France and northern Italy.
This story is from the November 2020 edition of Australian House & Garden Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 2020 edition of Australian House & Garden Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
URBAN SANCTUARY
Industrial features-and contemporary interior design coalesce in this built-froma ch city warehouse tucked away in the back streets of inner Melbourne.
WORLD of roses
These symbols of peace, joy and love are said to be more than 35 million years old.
Time TRAVELLER
A Sydney family gives their heritage home the garden it deserves, with help from a dream team of experts.
FREE range
A contemporary farmhouse, built for multigenerational living, strikes the perfect balance between cohesive design and personalised spaces.
HOME comforts
Shop these three elegant looks, from earthy and natural to pared-back monochromatic and coastal chic.
Calming canopy
INVITING THE OUTSIDE IN HAS TURNED THIS EXPANSIVE ENSUITE INTO A BLISSFUL RETREAT.
COASTAL character
A clever layout redesign and natural palette transform a dark house into a breezy family home with ocean views and plenty of natural light.
Entertaining
VIBRANT DISHES THAT ARE PERFECT FOR ENTERTAINING.
LUCKY MOVE
The Block's Marty Fox has flipped 14 houses in his time, but this Victorian mansion in Melbourne holds a special place in his heart.
A CERTAIN CHARM
A young couple enlists the expertise of a savvy team to refresh and expand their original 1930s Brisbane worker's cottage into a light-filled family home.
