Keryn Nossal’s St Kilda terrace mismatch made in renovator heaven
A former 60s boarding house is now a striking family home for Keryn and Stephen Nossal in St Kilda West.
A ramshackle two-storey property in St Kilda West once described as a “Bohemian Rhapsody mismatch” was snapped up by Keryn and Stephen Nossal 18 years ago.
They had already given new life to several inner-Melbourne terrace houses and could see the potential in this renovator’s delight built in the 1880s, despite friends thinking they were a little crazy.
In another life in the 1960s, the two apartments had been a boarding house with 11 bedrooms, five kitchens and six bathrooms, plus a leaking roof and horrid floral carpet, according to Keryn.
“But there was just something special about the place which was on a huge, long block and we knew it would make a great family home,” she says.
“We did some renovations before we moved in, including reroofing, rewiring and new plumbing.”
Annual renovations followed for years and the result is a striking five-bedroom, three-bathroom family home with an eclectic decor and a warm feel.
Keryn likens it to the Japanese concept of kintsukuroi – that nothing is perfect, and imperfection is good. “I would never want a perfect house. We love the house with all its imperfections – it’s got great bones and character,” she says.
Keryn is the founder and CEO of Melbourne’s Fancy Films, a creative content agency that does corporate, government and pro bono video work focusing on creating positive social impact in areas such as homelessness, Indigenous education, diversity and inclusion.
After a busy day, she loves the feel of the kitchen, which architect Susi Leeton temporarily located in the middle of the house. It remains there today, as it worked so well.
“It’s a big open area that leads off the living room and we just love it,” Keryn says.
“Everyone seems to gravitate to it and sit around, while we cook and chat.”
It features light shades that were originally handmade hanging baskets by a Bruny Island craypot maker.
Storage baskets sit under the bench with wooden stools, and there’s a pandanus mat from Arnhem Land’s Maningrida.
Keryn and Stephen, director of green hydrogen developer CRE, love entertaining family and friends on their huge wooden deck in summer.
The rambling garden, which features lots of greenery, trees and shrubs, keeps the couple busy. “It’s our third white house in a green garden project – that’s the style we love,” Keryn says.
The Nossals, who have three adult children, share the house with their daughter Tess, 23, youngest son, Joe, 19 and two boys from the Tiwi Islands, Bruce and Max, who are studying at Brighton Grammar.
Wander through the house and you will see lots of intriguing collections in bedrooms, the kitchen and living areas.
Keryn, a passionate collector, says she’s made friends with the owners of Melbourne’s many op shops.
“I have always been a keen collector and pick up trinkets and furniture wherever I go – op shops and flea markets are my happy place,” she says.
Her collections include striking Mexican love hearts that she adds to on annual Adelaide trips.
Vintage Arabia pottery, Iittala glassware and religious icons are also high on her list of collectibles.
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