Classy renovation brings Geelong city fringe California bungalow back from the brink

128 Verner St, Geelong, goes to auction on May 10.

A charming weatherboard facade was just about the only thing worth saving when the vendors of this Geelong California bungalow first clapped eyes on it back in 2018.

Fast-forward seven years and it’s now the perfect introduction to a stylish contemporary renovation that’s served the couple’s growing family well.

The chippie and his wife set to work making initial repairs when they first got their hands on 128 Verner St, Geelong, before working with Geelong Building Company to complete the major extension a couple of years later.

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The designer kitchen is the centrepiece of the rear extension.

“It was very, very rundown, probably borderline knockdown to be honest, when we bought it,” he says. “We had to restump it and gut it and pretty much reframe the whole house and just keep the shell.”

They’ve managed to salvage much of the original character, including double-hung windows and timber floorboards, while putting their own stamp on the interior.

The addition of a new open-plan living space at the rear is a game-changer, connecting the three-bedroom home to a private decked outdoor entertainment area and compact garden with convenient back lane access.

Modern curves are a recurring theme throughout the renovation – from the arched doorway linking the original section of the house to the extension to the brick feature wall in the lounge and marble island kitchen bench.

A striking curved wall adds interest to the rear of the house.

The dining area channels hip restaurant vibes at home.

The home office as a decorative fireplace and built-in shelving.

There’s even a curve to the frameless shower glass in the main bathroom, where the vendors have also had some fun with tile colour choices.

On a 337sq m block space is always at a premium, but high raked ceilings and clerestory windows add extra volume to the L-shaped kitchen, dining and living area.

Built-in banquette seating creates an inviting and functional dining space, while the kitchen incorporates another casual seating area, along with a concealed breakfast station, Westinghouse 900mm oven, induction cooktop and Asko dishwasher.

“It was going to be a home that we hung on to forever and we put everything that we wanted into it as far as we could … and we are stoked with it,” the vendor says.

The spacious main bedroom suite has traditional high ceilings and timber floorboards.

The ensuite features pastel tones.

All three bedrooms are positioned off the traditional front central hallway, where there’s also a dedicated home office.

The spacious main bedroom is a dreamy parents’ retreat with a walk-in wardrobe and well-appointed ensuite.

A freestanding oval bathtub forms part of the main bathroom, which sits alongside a powder room and laundry. The vendor says the back living area and deck are great places to hang out.

“Down around the kitchen you get so much natural light and once you close that hallway door off the little ones can sleep and you’re not disturbing them.”

Gartland, Geelong agent Will Ainsworth has scheduled the auction of 128 Verner St, Geelong, for May 10 at 10.30am.

Price hopes are $1.1m to $1.2m.

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