128 Fitzroy Street

Geelong VIC 3220

Built in the early 1900s and kept within the same family for almost a century, this bungalow-style home on a corner block is a rare opportunity to become part of Geelong's history. The unique property is like a time capsule from a bygone era with its formal dining room, swanky bar, high-ceilinged bedrooms and narrow staircases; one leads up to a large versatile attic space, the other downwards to a reinforced bomb shelter from World War II. The backyard includes an alfresco beneath an attractive Jacaranda, a petrol pump adjacent to the Verner Street driveway from when an electrician ran his business from the property, remains of an extravagant fishpond which have been incorporated into the garden, and plenty of space to renovate or extend to make the property your own.

Walking through this special home feels like stepping back in time. Period leadlight adorns the front door and verandah, internal walls are lined with distinctive textured concrete rendering, there are hardwood timber floorboards underfoot and original light fixtures and quirky nooks and crannies add to the home's charm. Bedrooms are well-sized and one comes with in-built storage. A separate sitting room (or third bedroom) includes a unique pre-war briquette heater and further in-built cabinetry. The combined formal lounge/piano room, dining room and bar is bursting with character and it's not difficult to imagine the ritzy soirees that would have once taken place here.

The kitchen has been partially modernised to improve functionality and the bathroom has been completely renovated with fresh white tiles and contrasting matte black tapware. Its contemporary design juxtaposes with the nearby vintage cooler chest and hand-washing station, providing a glimpse of what is possible in terms of further renovations incorporating both old and new. Upstairs, the skylighted attic comes with flexible usage options. It allows easy access to the roof space - handy when renovating! - and with vision could be transformed into a fourth bedroom, further storage or a home office.