Newtown: House renovated by French architect and her husband in the 1920s retains original charm
There’s plenty of French connections at this Newtown house, from its name that derives from a French opera to its Art Deco renovation completed by a French architect in the 1920s.
A historic Newtown house featuring a former servants’ quarters and bluestone cellar is bringing a touch of French grandeur to the market.
Built in 1905, the five-bedroom home at 141 Noble St is for sale with a $5m-$5.5m asking range.
Public records show that only four Newtown residences have sold for $5m or more, with 2A Raith Tce setting the suburb’s $6.3m house price record in 2021.
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Buxton Newtown director Tom Butters said the Noble St home was named Manon, after the French opera by composer Jules Massenet.
In the 1920s, the home’s then-owner Arthur Collins and his French architect wife, Emilie, renovated the house in French Art Deco style.
The design approach, which emphasised luxury and elegance, was known for its geometric shapes, simple clean lines and rich colours.
Mr Butters described Manon as having a secret garden, including tall trees and paved areas, concealed behind its brick fence and hedge perimeter.
“I can think of only about three other private properties of that size, 2546sq m, or larger in Newtown,” Mr Butters said.
Beyond the front porch, the house has high ceilings, leadlight windows, original hardwood floors and fireplaces.
“It has had updates but the architecture is pretty timeless,” Mr Butters said.
“It still has plenty of original charm.”
There’s plenty of space inside thanks to the three separate living areas, a formal dining room looking out to the garden, a sunroom and conservatory.
“I love the front living room that opens to a large indoor-outdoor undercover area with beautiful terrazzo tiles,” Mr Butters said.
He said the second-to-last owners, whom he also listed and sold the house on behalf of, had hosted Christmas events for up to 30 guests in the space.
The kitchen is fitted with stone benchtops, a large island bench, five-burner gas cooktop with a 900mm Smeg oven and walk-in pantry.
A bell that Manon’s owners could ring to summon servants to individual rooms remains just outside the kitchen.
The nearby renovated maid’s scullery has an additional sink, bench and pantry space.
Other highlights include the main bedroom suite with a walk-in dressing room, an attic bedroom, laundry and mudroom and even a telephone room.
“There is a big bluestone cellar that’s hidden below a trapdoor in the laundry, which is watertight,” Mr Butters said.
Original maid’s quarters, accessed via a separate entrance, include a sitting room with a fireplace, renovated bathroom, original kitchen and bedroom.
And located in the orchard and vegetable gardens, the former stables with a loft and potbelly stove could be used as an office, studio or teenager’s retreat.
Manon is part of Greater Geelong Council’s Aphrasia Street Heritage Area that’s characterised as a historically wealthy residential neighbourhood dominated by a mixture of Victorian, Edwardian and later era residences.
Records show that the house last sold for $4.75m in 2022.
Mr Butters said local buyers including families had inquired about the house.
Manon’s owners are selling with plans to move closer to Melbourne.
Expressions of interest close at 4pm on April 17.
Originally published as Newtown: House renovated by French architect and her husband in the 1920s retains original charm