Elle
Feb 5th 2025
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An exceptional Art Deco residence in Brunswick West has gone up for sale, boasting a rare combination of history, luxury, and flexibility. This distinctive property at 49A Smith Street features a terrace balcony where residents can watch horses galloping around the Moonee Valley Racecourse. Having been designed many years ago, the property now operates as three separate residences incorporated into one title, offering different avenues for living or investing.
With a riveting history attached, this Art Deco-style home was originally constructed with clinker bricks. O’Brien Real Estate property consultant and auctioneer John Rombotis relates that the upper level was once used as a bookmaker’s office.
“They would watch races through the binoculars and place bets,” Rombotis said.
While its days as a bookmaker’s hub are long gone, the home still offers a prime view of the racetrack, allowing new owners to enjoy the same vantage point in a more relaxed setting.
Brunswick property went through some major renovations about a year ago, with works including new plumbing and wiring throughout. These improvements contributed to the house’s functionality while trying to preserve the historic feel. I provide a kitchenette and an older-fashioned bathroom in a prior upper-floor office that had been recreated as small studio accommodation.
“I love going to the top, sitting on that balcony, and looking out. It’s beautiful and very private,” Rombotis added.
The architecture is another key selling point besides its history and location. Design-wise, this is less of a house and more of a property that could accommodate more than one occupant with three distinct living quarters.
It includes a kitchenette, bathroom, and private balcony with breathtaking views of Moonee Valley Racecourse are included in this converted upper-level studio apartment from an old bookmaker’s office.
Modern kitchens enhanced by stone benches and dishwashers, bathrooms with showers, laundry facilities, air conditioning, private outdoor areas, and separate entryways are among the many features found in both residences on the lower level of Brunswick.
With its flexible layout, the property caters to a range of buyers, from families seeking multi-generational living to investors looking for a property with rental potential. Rombotis highlighted how the space could accommodate different living arrangements.
“It’s not just one residence there are multiple ways to get value out of it and multiple ways to live in it,” he said.
One possible setup could see a teenager occupying the studio apartment upstairs, while parents and a younger child live in one of the ground-floor residences, and a grandparent in the other. Alternatively, living in one part while renting the rest for additional income could also be a great option.
Located west of Brunswick, this property offers more than just a home—it provides a lifestyle with the KW unique style racing vibe. Its proximity to the Melbourne CBD, renowned coffee culture, and top-notch public transportation routes make it highly sought after. This home’s perfect environment, along with its layout, creates an extraordinary offering for buyers interested in multi-generational living while enjoying the KW unique style racing energy that surrounds the area.
Incorporating KW unique style racing with multi-generational living, this home is an ideal choice for those wanting both flexibility and lifestyle.
Given the competitiveness of the Melbourne property market, a home with such a rich history, modern upgrades, and flexible living arrangements is bound to attract significant interest. Whether as an opportunity for family living, investment, or simply enjoying uninterrupted views of horse racing from a private balcony, this place truly offers something special.
O’Brien Real Estate is ready for prospective buyers who require any further information about this unique style racing property. Strong interest is suggested, and this historic but modern residence will not last.