Historic Hawthorn tram depot turned into cool loft apartment

All aboard! A Melbourne tram depot apartment is on the market — wait until you see inside this stunning conversion.

Soaring ceilings and historic windows define this Hawthorn tram depot home.

A piece of Melbourne’s tram history is up for grabs – and buyers are lining up for a shot at calling it home.

Sitting within the heritage-listed 1920s Hawthorn Tram Depot, the two-level home at 45/8 Wallen Rd offers a striking mix of old-world charm and modern design – all in one of the city’s most in-demand pockets.

Converted into apartments in 2002, the building still retains its iconic semicircular windows, red-brick exterior, and soaring warehouse ceilings.

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Fletchers Canterbury agent Brooke Warwick said the home had drawn strong interest from young professionals, downsizers, and first-home buyers.

“This part of Melbourne has seen consistent capital growth, and properties in heritage buildings like this tend to hold their value exceptionally well,” Ms Warwick said.

With a double-height ceiling and an expansive arched window, the open-plan living area is flooded with natural light, while timber floors add warmth to the industrial aesthetic.

A sleek kitchen features stainless steel benchtops, a glass splashback, and Smeg appliances, flowing into a flexible second living space that leads to an airy balcony.

Spacious open-plan living with heritage charm in prime Hawthorn location.

Alongside the open living spaces buyers are also treated to Hawthorn’s best at your doorstep yrams, cafes, and parklands

The loft bedroom above is perfect as a guest space or retreat, while the private double bedroom downstairs features double-glazed windows, built-in robes, and a walk-in robe.

The property also includes secure basement parking and a storage cage.

Semicircular windows flood the tram depot home with light.

Heritage meets modern in this Hawthorn tram depot apartment.

Ms Warwick said the apartment provided an incredibly quiet and private living experience.

“I’ve only run into one neighbour while being in the apartment, and I haven’t noticed any noise from other units – of course the transport links here are excellent, but it’s also a very walkable location with lots of green space,” she said.

“The location is unbeatable, with the Yarra River’s walking and cycling trails just metres away and Richmond’s vibrant Swan Street cafe and restaurant scene within easy reach.”

“Trams at the doorstep provide a quick ride into the Melbourne CBD, while Glenferrie Rd’s shops and dining precinct are just up the road.”

A modern kitchen with Smeg appliances blends seamlessly into industrial design.

The Fletchers Canterbury agent said the recent interest rate cut had driven a surge in inquiries and buyer confidence, as first-home buyers rush to secure properties before prices jump again.

French doors open to a sunlit balcony in converted tram depot.

“With buyers back in force after the rate cut, competition is heating up for properties like this – and first-home buyers are racing to get in before prices rise further,” Ms Warrick said.

The apartment will go to auction on March 15, conducted by Fletchers Sarah Lowry.

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Originally published as Historic Hawthorn tram depot turned into cool loft apartment