It is not difficult to see why the former postmaster’s home in northeast Melbourne is called private Narnia.
Behind the discreet Jarrah and wrought iron doors is a custom three-bedroom, two-bathroom family home, a distance from the heyday of the 1930s.
A cautious Jarrah and wrought iron door led to the residence of the unsuspecting former postmaster. Image: Provided
Located at 730a, Heidelberg Road, Alphington, the property was totally surprised to catch its suppliers Lindsey and Xavier Andriske when they were hunting their house four years ago.
“It’s not the house we were looking for in the first place, but it’s like, ‘Wow, what is this?’ Mrs. Andriske told Realestate.com.au.
“We walked in and we were amazed. There was everything we had on the list, but the location was unexpected.”
Vendors Lindsey and Xavier Andriske are selling beloved family homes to make them closer to their families. Image: Provided
For years, the family has been very curious about the curiosity of passers-by about what is behind the front facade and then suspects that it is actually a family home.
Now the family of four, including Florence, four and Freddie, two, has made a sad decision to sell it to the family.
Unsuspecting door sits on the bustling Heidelberg Road in Alphinton. Image: realcommercial.com.au
Mrs. Andrick said she was happy to build her footprints in her historic residence and she missed the feeling of walking into her home every day.
“The exposed brick feels like we’re in an art gallery,” she said. “And I don’t think it’s the size of a bedroom wherever I go.”
The exposed bricks and period details reveal the living life of the house as the postmaster. Image: Provided
Double doors open to spacious outdoor entertaining deck with wood burning fireplace. Image: Provided
It was a fallen postmaster and it was a rare opportunity to buy, said Nick Smith, sales agent for Nelson Alexander.
“It has this inner city vibe. It’s a pretty low turnover that keeps the suburbs tightly,” he said.
He said high ceilings, fireplace, hardwood floors, plumbing heating, skylights and seamless indoor and outdoor flow to the rear entertaining space, which are the highlights of the home.
“It’s hidden and very deceptive,” he said. “It’s a very good, fun entry point, but a little bit deceptive and disguised.”
Three spacious bedrooms feature split system units and built-in robes. Image: Provided
It is on the market for $14,500-1,595,000.
Alphington Homes are one of the few remodeled Postmaster homes currently sold across the country. This is a place to peek into a long history, seeking a new owner:
Original NSW Post Office in the late 1800s
The property is described as one of the “greatest houses” of Araluen Valley, formerly the residence of the original post office and postal master from the 1860s to 1977.
The house was the residence of the original post office and postmaster who closed in 1977 from the Golden Age of the 1860s. Image: realestate.com.au
Set at 0.8 hectares, Braidwood’s modern home is located in 5929 Araluen in Araluen, set to 0.8 hectares, the residence includes high ceilings, polished hardwood floors and features four bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Its price guide is $989,000-$1,050,000.
Charming national life
Post office, shops and museums once, this Kangaroo Valley Residence, located at 254 Moss Vale Road, was built in 1885.
It has been expanded and renovated to include four bedrooms, two bathrooms, plumbing adjustments, and the newer part of the property includes an open plan living and dining area.
The renovated cottage used to be the post office, shops and museums of the valley. Image: realestate.com.au
There is also a separate studio with bathroom that provides additional accommodation or work space.
The property is set at 2.11 hectares and is two hours away from Sydney and Canberra.
It costs $2 million to $2.2 million.
Queensland Double Living Opportunity & Back Post Office Cabin
Behind the main residence of this five-bedroom house is the second residence, which was once the postmaster’s cottage.
Charming residence consists of 2 bedrooms, a study and a refurbished bathroom.
Near the main residence is the original Post Office Master Lodge. Image: realestate.com.au
Original hardwood floors, high ceilings and intricate details are the hallmarks of its past lives.
Located at 836 Gilston Road, Gilston, the property is being sold through an expression of interest.
Looking for your own post office cabin renovation opportunity?
If the cabin at the former post office sounds attractive, this Bendalong home is seeking a new lease of life.
Many locals have fond memories of the banking and postal needs that participate in the property. Image: realestate.com.au
The Corner Block property is owned by the same family for decades, set on 538 m2 of land ownership and includes a solarium formal lounge, two bedrooms and a bathroom.
The property is within walking distance of Washerwomans and Inyadda Beach, and costs $1,590,000.