A rich piece of Melbourne’s history has been transformed into a beautiful family home.
Isabella, holding Bowie, with Ross, Natalie and Sascha in the lush garden, which is planted with camellias, orchids, peonies and tulips.Credit: Armelle Habib
The home
A mansion in St Kilda built circa 1880 and once owned by Graham Berry, the 11th premier of Victoria. It also served as a boarding house, a doctor’s surgery and a home for nurses.
Who lives here
Yoga teacher Natalie Le Sueur, her investor husband Ross Dobinson, their daughters, fashion stylist Isabella and model Sascha, and Bowie the dachshund.
What we did
“It was a labour of love for Ross,” says Le Sueur. “In 1989, he commissioned architect Ian Perkins to re-imagine the original layout, as it had been converted into 26 bedsits. To minimise costs, Ross removed all floor coverings, erected the scaffolding, cleared the yards, replaced roof tiles and planted his beloved garden.”
Our favourite room
“We all love the light-filled upstairs,” says Le Sueur. “It has a huge Indian day bed where we hang out and play games or have movie nights.”
The ’hood
“It feels like a secret pocket, with Maha East and Tombo Den in Windsor, Wall Coffee in Balaclava and Prahran Market all a short stroll away,” says Le Sueur.
Future plans
“We’ll restore the rear wing once the scars and memories of the previous renovation have faded,” says Le Sueur.
Best advice
“Hasten slowly, and each to their own taste,” says Le Sueur.
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