6 days ago
Geelong city milk bar conversion like living ‘in a five-star hotel'
Bags of mixed lollies are a distant memory at a former Geelong milk bar that's emerged from an award-winning conversion as a luxury inner city home.
Developer Bill Votsaris oversaw the transformation of the prominent heritage building at the corner of Malop and Swanston streets after saving it from years of neglect.
He's now seeking a buyer for one of two premium townhouses within the landmark 1852 bluestone building.
Jellis Craig Geelong listing agent Marcus Falconer said the $1.8m property set the benchmark for luxury living in Geelong's city centre.
A private rooftop terrace with an indoor bar and servery is the crowning glory of the surprising two-bedroom residence.
'There are not too many people that would invest the money in saving that kind of history,' Mr Falconer said.
'It's SJB Architects, which are renowned as being one of Victoria's premier architectural firms, so the attention to detail and the quality of the fixtures and fittings is of a standard that is probably unparalleled in the Geelong market.
'This is the kind of home for a professional that wants to feel like they are in a five-star hotel.'
The building, which was most recently home to Fan's Milk Bar, was described as being in 'very dire' condition when Mr Votsaris bought the property.
His efforts to restore its original Victorian-era facade as part the conversion earned the project a 2024 Geelong Heritage Award.
Thoughtfully retained original bluestone and red brick details are also incorporated into the interior design.
A high-end kitchen featuring an integrated Liebherr fridge/freezer and Gaggenau induction cooktop, ovens and a coffee machine, is the centrepiece of the ground floor open-plan living zone.
A private north-facing courtyard offers an alternative outdoor entertainment area, while a wide tandem garage accommodates two cars.
Mr Falconer said the townhouse provided an attractive alternative for premium apartment buyers seeking easy access to the waterfront, Eastern Gardens and the CBD.
'This is one for people that perhaps don't want to be part of a body corporate and run the risk of big fees,' he said.
'It's one where everything has been done.'
