16 Mary Street

Eminently positioned along a leafy treelined boulevard, just metres to the iconic sands of St. Kilda beach, this illustrious circa-1880s residence, once owned by fashion designer Alannah Hill, is resplendent in Art Deco-meets-Victorian Boom Style architectural features, and will captivate with its opulent interiors and high-end fit-out gloriously fusing olde-world glamour and contemporary luxury. A recent interior re-fit, under the guidance of award-winning Melbourne-based interior designer Katie Sargent, whose work is recognised for its balance of heritage sensitivity and contemporary refinement, cohesively harmonises elements of the home's storied past while retaining signature style pieces curated by its vibrant former owner. Newly laid solid oak flooring flows through the lower-level living and entertaining area, deep corbelled archways define spaces, and crystal chandeliers illuminate soaring ceilings, rich in ornate plasterwork. Towering double doors create a dramatic entrance to the formal front living room where morning sun diffused by sheer custom Holland blinds streams in, and a marble fireplace takes centre stage. A secondary living area, also with marble fireplace, leads to the refreshed and updated central galley-style marble kitchen featuring matt teal custom cabinetry, and Miele appliances including an induction cooktop, convection oven, an integrated fridge freezer, and dishwasher, while the adjoining meals area opens, via French glass doors to a sundrenched mod grass private courtyard with lush bamboo borders, built-in lighting and irrigation, and built-in custom seating. Ruby red carpet adorns the majestic entryway staircase, which rises to a landing then splits in two, one direction leading to the sublimely renovated master suite, the other accessing two bedrooms and the family bathroom. Behind a French linen curtain, the opulent master suite has double-hung sash windows, dressed with red velvet drapes, which open to the full-width balcony with sea views beyond the leafy Plane tree canopy, while an archway reveals a stunning new dressing room with sumptuous wool loop pile carpets, a storage/display island, designer shell sconce lighting and walk-through to the luxe refurbished marble ensuite. Additional standouts include the downstairs powder room wrapped in Cole & Son 'Savuti' jungle print wallpaper, heated towel rails in both the bathrooms, a newly installed central heating system, Nobu wall panel heaters, block-out blinds and insect screens, a safe, and an abundance of storage including under stair and laundry cabinetry. This coveted lifestyle locale is just moments from the St. Kilda foreshore, Catani Gardens, Fitzroy Street, and beachfront dining establishment and is also close to Albert Park Lake, the light rail, and MSAC.