A Victorian cottage turned homewares store and attached contemporary private home, complete with a separate entrance at the rear, offers the ultimate live-work opportunity at Inverleigh, 30 minutes from Geelong.
But it was a different story 13 years ago, say present owners Lisa and Ray Sarcevic.
“It was overgrown to the point you wouldn’t know the cottage existed,” Lisa explains. “But while on a walk at the back of the property, it caught my eye.”
Once the couple inspected the Victorian cottage, Lisa says its character, charm, and location drew them both in.
“It’s close to the (Leigh) river, has two street frontages, everything was perfect and ticked all the boxes.”
Despite the overgrown garden, the house was in good condition, which made the minor upgrades to the cottage by Lisa and Ray straightforward.
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“My husband and I did all of the minor upgrades on this and engaged local trades for electrical and plumbing, “ she says.
The commercial section of the property includes four flexible open rooms, powder room and a separate office.
While it’s presently a homewares store, the cottage can be used for various purposes.
The upgrade also featured an extension, a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home.
“We wanted the extension to look like it had been here the same time as the original cottage externally,” Lisa says.
“We designed the extension ourselves because that is our professional background – myself an interior designer, and my husband is in the building game.”
Internally, the home features a modern design and quality craftsmanship with spacious living and soaring ceilings.
“In our home, the key design components are high ceilings, a recycled red brick feature wall to the staircase and fireplace, polished concrete flooring, ample storage, a generous-sized butler’s pantry, and laundry,” Lisa says.
“The design style is a bit of a mix, I guess you would call it modern, industrial farmhouse with quality fixtures and fittings, raked, exposed beam ceilings in the living area continuing out to the entertainment area and master bedroom.”
The property is set on half an acre and includes two street frontages, which helps separate business from home, Lisa says.
“Our back yard is within a stone’s throw of the river and walking tracks. While also being in the heart of the village, the location is perfect,” Lisa says.
Stockdale & Leggo Belmont’s Seka Powell has the home listed for sale with a $2.85m price guide via expressions of interest.
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Originally published as Inverleigh: Historic cottage turned shop-home hits market for $2.85m
