‘Out there’: Laundrette home conversion to wow buyers

11 Roslyn Gardens, Elizabeth Bay is set for an October auction.

A unique home that was previously an inner-city laundrette is expected to wow spring buyers.

The vendors, Adam and Emma Marshall, of Sydney-based hospitality company Bird & Bear Group, had been won over by the potential of the former Peddle Duck Laundrette at 11 Roslyn Gardens, Elizabeth Bay when they spotted it for sale in 2013.

“We were living just around the corner and had always admired this quirky building with so much character,” the Marshalls said.

“When it first came on the market, we never imagined it as a home — it didn’t have a kitchen and hadn’t been lived in for years.

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Emma and Adam Marshall at Mosman Rowers. They own the company Bird and Bear and run Archie Bear at Mosman Rowers as well as other local restaurants. Picture: John Appleyard

How it looked when the vendors bought it in 2013.

They say they “explored some pretty out-there ideas”.

“The opportunity to breathe new life into such an iconic building, in a suburb we already loved, sold us.”

Records show the couple, who are behind Foys Kirribilli and The Flying Bear cafe at the Sydney Flying Squadron; Navy Bear cafe at the Royal Australian Navy Sailing Association; Sandy Bear at Clontarf Marina and Archie Bear at Mosman Rowers Club, picked it up for $1.4m and they started planning the architectural transformation.

“We were always mindful of the building’s place on the street, alongside such a beautiful row of terraces,” they say.

“It was important that the building’s heritage — and that of our neighbours — was respected.

“At the same time, we wanted to add something modern and playful.”

Working with their architects, they say they “explored some pretty out-there ideas” before landing on a design that felt “timeless and balanced”.

The new residence is built over four levels.

The vendors wanted the design to be “timeless and balanced”.

Agent Clay Brodie says the interiors are well-thought out and provide flexibility.

“The rooftop garden we have created has become our sanctuary,” they say.

Spread over four levels above a leased café tenancy (Juno + Sons), the home offers three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a rooftop garden retreat.

The couple are now selling to upsize.

BresicWhitney’s Clay Brodie has a price guide of $5m and it’s scheduled for an October 18 auction.

Brodie says: “This is one of Elizabeth Bay’s most recognisable homes.

“It’s a great example of how architecture can reshape these classic older buildings in a way that’s contemporary while being mindful of its past.

“The living spaces created over four levels are well-thought out and provide flexibility and scope for the next owner.

“The ground-floor tenancy is likely to strengthen the home’s appeal among not only families and professionals, but investors too.”

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