Brunswick conversion owned for 14 years soars past $2m in competitive auction
Rob and Michelle Barber sold their converted Brunswick warehouse on Saturday.
A converted Brunswick warehouse loved by its owners for 14 years soared above expectation on Saturday, selling more than $500,000 above asking price.
Three bidders fought for the keys to 2/393 Barkly St in what was a highly competitive auction, according to Jellis Craig Brunswick director Greg Cusack.
The four-bedroom abode was initially listed with a $1.85m-$2m price guide.
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The warehouse conversion at 2/393 Barkly Street, Brunswick.
It has four bedrooms and exposed brick walls throughout.
A study leaves off the living area, and has stunning views of the city.
But that was soon blown to pieces, with the price climbing beyond $2m — the point at which the home was called on the market.
The conversion sold for an undisclosed sum understood to be north of $2.5m.
Vendors Rob and Michelle Barber, who have lived at the 102-year-old apartment for nearly 14 years, said they were beyond happy with the result.
The couple paid $905,000 for the property in 2008, according to CoreLogic.
Mr Barber said they had previously lived in another warehouse conversion in Fitzroy.
“There’s always something to look at and it tells a story,” Mr Barber said of the type of property.
“You never get bored in a place like this.”
Mr Barber, a musician, said he had enjoyed having one of the rooms as a studio to practice singing and playing his instruments, including the guitar, mandolin and banjo.
Mr Barber said he and his wife were both extremely happy with the sale.
The pair were looking forward to a new phase in their lives, he added, and downsizing to St Kilda.
Mr Barber is a musician and used one of the rooms as his studio.
One of three bathrooms.
Mr Cusack said “around 50 to 60 people” attended the auction.
He added that buyers had loved the property’s classic warehouse features including its soaring ceilings, exposed brick walls and beams.
The spacious pad was designed by Six Degrees architects and boasts a private entrance and four spacious bedrooms.
Large industrial windows beam natural light into the pad, while a door in the dining area opens onto a north-facing balcony.
A stylish kitchen fit with Smeg appliances and a modern ensuite connecting to the main bedroom were among recent updates.
An study area with views of the city and a single-car garage were also part of the package.
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