Albion: Hidden forest-themed bar uncovered in quirky listing

Jonathon Grima in the secret wine and cigar room he created in his Albion house, that’s now for sale. Street artist Heesco painted the forest-themed mural. Picture: Jake Nowakowski.

A secret forest-themed speak-easy is hidden behind a bookcase at this quirky house in Melbourne’s west.

Owner Jonathon Grima is selling the circa-1920s Albion home he renovated to create a magical wonderland-style pad with a $1.4m-$1.5m range.

The five-bedroom residence at 25 Sydney St features a hidden bar that rises out of the kitchen island bench at the touch of a button, an outdoor cinema, barrel sauna and heated pool.

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Beyond the weatherboard facade there’s also a taxidermied peacock imported from Puerto Rico, a collection of Barbie dolls in birdcages, golden swan taps and green-coloured kitchen cabinetry with motorised doors.

Mr Grima, the owner and director of Yarraville-based Joncol Building Services, bought the house after seeing it for the first time on the auction day, in 2016.

He worked on weekends as a “labour of love” to transform the abode, turning the former laundry into a secret wine and cigar room complete with a colourful mural by street artist Heesco.

An old wash trough still features along a drop-down table which Mr Grima installed.

There’s an outdoor cinema, barrel sauna and heated pool in the backyard. Mr Grima made a light-up Baywatch sign that features on the pool house.

Pull back a certain book on this shelf … Picture: Jake Nowakowski.

… And check out the seriously cool wine and cigar room complete with a mural by street artist Heesco. Picture: Jake Nowakowski.

The home’s heritage status meant he could not majorly alter the exterior but was able to “go to town” internally.

Inspiration behind the colourful interior included ideas from his two children and the UK design duo Jimmie Martin whose fans include singer Madonna.

The house’s library and study showcases original wallpaper and a mannequin Mr Grima painted with his children.

There’s a 110cm Falcon Classic Deluxe cooker and quartzite natural stone benchtops in the kitchen, plus an island bench from which a fully-appointed bar rises at the touch of a button.

Colourful wallpaper in a bedroom.

He’s only selling the property so he can renovate another residence.

“I love the home, but I just want to keep creating things,” Mr Grima said.

“That’s the reason why I’m doing it again – that’s what I keep doing, crazy fun things.”

His work has featured on The Block: Sky High, Selling Houses Australia and Dream Homes Revealed, including his former Point Cook home with a giant chess board and Wizard of Oz mural.

The taxidermied peacock in one of the living areas. Mr Grima purchased the mid-century-style chairs from Kylie Minogue’s cousin – and likes the fact the famous singer might even have sat on them.

Golden swan taps in one of the bathrooms.

Ray White Sunshine managing director Marcus Fregonese said the Albion house was “like a museum with a story in every room”.

“Beyond all the cool rooms and swimming pool, the attention to detail the owner-builder has included is phenomenal and world class,” Mr Fregonese said.

“It’s a family home set on over 800sq m with five principal rooms plus it’s got a stunning pool, it would also suit someone with an artistic personality.”

Mr Grima bought the vintage bird cages, which have Barbie dolls inside them, at various Melbourne markets.

Jonathon Grima at his former Point Cook house where he installed a giant chess set. Picture: Kylie Else.

He described Albion, near Sunshine, as a hidden gem in Melbourne’s inner west.

“It has got a bit of a WeFo – West Footscray – vibe with lots of families, parks, period homes, tree-lined streets and a great community feel.”

Expressions of interest close at 11am on November 21.

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