PHOTO: It looks like a forgotten old shed. Step inside — and you’ll find one of the CBD’s most extraordinary private homes. PROPERTY NOISE
👀 A laneway façade hiding a jaw-dropping surprise
From the outside, it’s easy to walk straight past.
Tucked down Guildford Lane in the heart of the Melbourne CBD, this former warehouse gives little away — a weathered façade, a narrow frontage, nothing to hint at what lies beyond.
But behind the roller door is a six-storey architectural residence that feels more art gallery than inner-city warehouse.
Set across 534sqm, the converted building delivers a rare combination of scale, privacy and flexibility — and it’s now on the market for $6.8m–$7.4m.
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🏗️ From motorbike showroom to multi-level masterpiece
The building was originally a motorbike showroom, purchased in 2008 by an artist and her husband.
Under the guidance of acclaimed architect Peter McIntyre, the pair reimagined the raw industrial shell into a striking vertical home that blends Melbourne’s laneway grit with contemporary design.
The result? A property that can sleep, work, create and entertain — all under one roof.
🚪 Lift access to every level (yes, really)
Unlike most warehouse conversions, this one comes with a private commercial lift, offering seamless access to every level — a rarity in inner-city Melbourne.
Entry begins at the mezzanine level, which features:
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🎱 A games room with billiards table
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🔧 A workshop
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📦 Extensive storage
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🚪 Separate rear lane access
This space alone could function as an entertainment hub, creative workspace, or professional studio.
🛏️ A home within a home
🏠 Level One: Self-contained apartment
Level One operates as a fully self-contained two-bedroom apartment, complete with:
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Kitchen
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Living area
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Bathroom
Ideal for guests, extended family, or multigenerational living — without sacrificing privacy.
🌙 Quiet luxury on the owner’s level
📚 Level Two: Bedrooms & retreat spaces
Known as the Owner’s Level, this floor is dedicated to rest and retreat.
Here you’ll find:
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🛌 A generous main bedroom with walk-in robe and ensuite
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🛏️ A second bedroom
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🚿 A powder room
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📖 A library — perfect for reading or focused work
It’s a calm counterpoint to the home’s more social upper levels.
Behind an unassuming warehouse façade in a Melbourne laneway lies a towering hideaway that oozes pure style and innovation
A rooftop that’s ready-made for entertaining guests is one of the showpieces of the property. There’s also a private commercial lift that allows easy access to all floors in the home
On Level One is a fully self-contained apartment – offering privacy and amenities for guests or family staying over
The sellers – an artist and her husband – bought the ex-motorbike showroom warehouse in 2008
🍷 Where daily life (and entertaining) comes together
🔥 Level Three: Kitchen & informal living
Bathed in natural light, Level Three houses the main kitchen and casual living zone.
Highlights include:
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👨🍳 Commercial-style kitchen with walk-in pantry
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🔥 Open fireplace
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🛋️ Built-in daybeds
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🍖 Terrace with built-in barbecue
This is everyday living done exceptionally well — relaxed, social and stylish.
🎨 A dedicated space to create
✏️ Level Four: Studio & design floor
Creative types will gravitate to Level Four, which features:
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A full studio and design space
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Additional outdoor areas
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A fully equipped laundry
Whether you’re an artist, architect, designer or remote professional, this level offers true live-work versatility.
Level Two – known as the Owner’s Level – is a quiet space where you’ll find the main bedrooms
A library on Level Two is the ideal quiet space for reading and retreating
The kitchen, dining and lounge space on Level Three is an informal space perfect for everyday living
The mezzanine level has its own rear lane access and features a games room
🌿 The ultimate rooftop escape
🌆 Level Five: Private rooftop sanctuary
At the very top, the home opens into a breathtaking rooftop retreat, surrounded by the Melbourne skyline.
Features include:
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🔥 Open fireplace
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🍽️ Fully equipped indoor & outdoor kitchen
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🍷 Undercover dining zone
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🌱 Lush planter boxes and greenery
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👀 Sweeping inner-city views
It’s a secluded oasis — high above the laneway bustle.
🚗 City living without the parking headache
In a rare inner-CBD bonus, the property includes parking for three cars, made possible by a garage stacker system.
Creative types will love the property’s fourth level, which offers a studio and design space
Make your way up to the rooftop and you find a private leafy space in the midst of the bustling city
The level five rooftop features an open fireplace, a fully equipped indoor and outdoor kitchen, an undercover dining zone and sweeping inner-city views
The warehouse conversion was once a motorbike showroom
🏙️ One of a kind — by design
According to Castran director Lachlan Castran, this is a property that simply can’t be replicated.
“It’s a multi-level architectural residence of rare scale and versatility,” he says.
“Adaptable as a residence, studio, or live-work environment, it offers a level of flexibility and permanence that is almost impossible to find in Melbourne’s tightly held city core.”
With Capital City zoning, dual access, no Owners Corporation, and genuine architectural pedigree, this is laneway living taken to an entirely new level.
🔑 The bottom line
From the street, it’s anonymous.
Inside, it’s astonishing.
This six-level warehouse conversion proves that some of Melbourne’s most remarkable homes are hiding in plain sight — waiting for the right buyer to discover them.
SOURCE: THE DAILY MAIL