An architect’s own home, hidden down a secret laneway in Northcote, was hotly contested at its Saturday auction online. The secluded property is tucked away in the subdivided “backyard” of another house that occupies the block in front. But the lack of street frontage and Melbourne’s fifth lockdown didn’t stop the three-bedroom pad at 12A Stott St from notching a $1.95m sale under the hammer. 

Nelson Alexander agent Peter Stephens said the opening bid of $1.6m had launched the property on the market right away.

“We had a really strong campaign of 111 people through the home before lockdown, and five bidders took part in the online auction,” Mr Stephens said.

There were two competitive buyers’ advocates who kicked off the bidding and pushed up the price, before a young local family scored the keys. 

Mr Stephens said the Nelson Alexander agent Peter Stephens said the vendors – a jewellery designer and an architect – had built their own “inner-city oasis” on the 254sq m block.

The sellers created the unique residence after feeling let down by the existing homes on the market years ago.

“They came across this block, where the owners had subdivided the backyard and sold it off,” Mr Stephens said.

The end result is the hidden home with a studio space, that was “built around” the sunny courtyard that welcomes guests to the home. 

Mr Stephens said the Nelson Alexander agent Peter Stephens said the vendors – a jewellery designer and an architect – had built their own “inner-city oasis” on the 254sq m block.

The sellers created the unique residence after feeling let down by the existing homes on the market years ago.

“They came across this block, where the owners had subdivided the backyard and sold it off,” Mr Stephens said.

The end result is the hidden home with a studio space, that was “built around” the sunny courtyard that welcomes guests to the home. “There was only one couple that dropped out of registering to bid, but the woman who bought it said she was actually more comfortable bidding from home, because she could openly see who she was bidding against.”

See full article - https://www.realestate.com.au/news/northcote-laneway-house-sells-at-virtual-auction/

By Peter Hess - 16-Aug-2021