Surry Hills terrace in original condition to sell for $1.7 million-plus

THIS Surry Hills terrace is in near-original condition, complete with toilet out the back and has an asking price of more than $1.7 million.

Bryan Fitzgerald, surrounded by collectibles inside the terrace at 723 Bourke St, Surry Hills. Picture: Daniel Aarons

ONE of the last remaining Surry Hills terraces in almost original condition has been listed with a price guide of $1.725 million.

It is marketed as a blank canvas with “an exceedingly basic gas kitchen” and a bathroom that is “described as functional at best” and is scheduled for a May 28 auction.

Owners Bryan Fitzgerald and Casey Khik have owned the property for 10 years, having bought the home from an Italian family who had owned it since the late 1940s.

Mr Fitzgerald and Mr Khik are selling to move closer to their Redfern store Chee Soon & Fitzgerald, where they sell a range of textiles, ceramics, furniture and more.

It’s clear that their day job is also a passion and hobby, with the 723 Bourke St home also filled with collectables.

“The furniture you see in photos we’ve collected. It’s Australian art and design and we’re interested in the decorative,” Mr Fitzgerald said.

The terrace is in original condition, never having been renovated.

Mr Fitzgerald on the front porch of the home. Picture: Daniel Aarons.

It was the home’s old-world charm that attracted Mr Fitzgerald to it all those years ago and which influenced him to keep the home in its original state.

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“Because I’m art minded, it felt very bohemian and it didn’t feel like all the other houses around either, some have been badly renovated or had a minimalist modern renovation,” Mr Fitzgerald said.

“I was brought up on a farm in New Zealand and the farms been in the family for 150 years. I have always loved the feeling of the old.

“I like actually living in that environment. It reminds me of the old homestead and brings back memories of my childhood.”

The living areas of the home.

The backyard, with toilet at the rear.

Mr Fitzgerald hopes the next owner will give the property a modern facelift while still holding on to its period charm.

“It has all of its original 19th century features. It just needs someone to come in with a good architect and to incorporate these features into a modern living space,” he said.

Mr Fitzgerald and Mr Khik are hoping to buy a warehouse close to their store.

Their Surry Hills terrace is listed with Charles Touma and Simon Fletcher of Belle Property Surry Hills.

The upstairs balcony which has no railing.