Kensington heritage home with office space hits market

Kensington heritage home with office space hits market

A heritage shopfront with a hidden family home in Kensington has hit the market for the first time in 24 years, with a $2.1m private sale guide.

Part of the suburb’s heritage-listed “Railway Buildings”, the 1888-built property at 151 Rankins Rd is giving buyers the chance to own a piece of Melbourne history reimagined for modern living.

Behind its Victorian facade, the four-bedroom residence comes complete with three offices, a potential boardroom and a meeting room, all with their own street-facing entrance.

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A heritage shopfront with a hidden family home has hit the market.

The property is giving buyers the chance to own a piece of Melbourne history reimagined for modern living.

Nelson Alexander Flemington’s Jayson Watts said the response had been strong from professionals, business owners and even investors drawn to the property’s dual purpose.

“It’s one of those homes where you don’t need to spell out the potential, the versatility speaks for itself,” Mr Watts said.

“There simply aren’t many properties in Melbourne that let you live and work in the one place without compromise.”

Upstairs, the residence features a ballroom-sized main bedroom with park views, three further bedrooms, a stylish new kitchen, two living areas and a large rear terrace.

A wine cellar, attic storage and hydronic heating add further appeal.

The residence features four bedrooms.

A wine cellar adds further appeal.

Mr Watts said the ability to clearly separate home from work was one of the biggest drawcards.

“Covid really taught people the importance of that separation, makeshift workstations in the middle of family living rooms just don’t cut it anymore,” he said.

“Dedicated work zones like this are now one of the most sought-after features buyers look for. Space is a commodity, and this home delivers it in spades.”

The sellers and his family have owned the property since 2001, raising children and running a successful business from the former shopfront.

“It’s their pride and joy,” Mr Watts said.

“Selling after nearly a quarter of a century is always emotional, but they’re ready to pass the baton to the next chapter.”

The stylish new kitchen.

The home comes complete with three offices.

The listing also comes with off-street parking for two cars via a rear laneway, plus two on-street permits.

As an suburb, Kensington has transformed from stockyards and saleyards into one of Melbourne’s most desirable “village suburbs”, with 25 per cent of the area covered in parkland, three train stations on separate lines, and a thriving cafe and pub scene.

Mr Watts said heritage protections and the area’s “gentle density” helped underpin long-term value.

“Maintaining the streetscape and character is crucial, and buyers value that,” he said.

“It protects the identity of the suburb while giving people confidence their investment is going to hold its charm for generations.”

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