A couple have revealed how they transformed an abandoned tram station into their dream home, complete with an ultra-modern interior.
Tucked away in Adelaide’s leafy Malvern, the old station provided electrification for the nearby tram line from 1926 until the 1950s.
From the outside it looks tired and old, but when you step inside, that changes as the building has been completely redesigned as an exclusive, light-filled loft apartment with four bedrooms.
Owners Corbet Stain and his partner, Dianna Palmer, have lived in the renovated property for over 30 years.
They are proud of their restoration work.
“The building is barely noticeable from the outside, but once you get inside, it’s not what you would expect,” he said.
Mr Stain purchased the property as a unique renovation project that would provide space for a warehouse-style living environment.
And that is exactly what he created: he broke down the old interior walls and gave the house a cool, modern look.
The nearly 100-year-old exterior of the tram station has remained largely untouched by renovations
The beautiful, open living space draws in light from the surrounding windows
The sleek, modern staircase divides the living and dining area on the ground floor
The dining room flows easily into the kitchen and is ideal for entertaining guests
The sleek modern kitchen features stainless steel accents and dramatic red surfaces
The open ground floor is the result of breaking through old walls, allowing for flexible family living
The new flexible floor plan allows you to easily switch between the different rooms in the house, something you would never expect in such an old building.
Inside, large windows on the ground floor open to a charming, tranquil backyard and a private veranda filled with citrus and avocado trees.
An elegant, minimalist white staircase separates the kitchen and dining room from the rest of the living space on the ground floor.
The spacious master bedroom, ensuite bathroom and office space are also located on the ground floor.
The modern kitchen with its bright red accents connects to the adjoining dining area, creating an ideal setup for effortless entertaining.
The master bedroom on the ground floor has its own adjoining office and kitchenette
The striking red tile provides a welcome touch of colour in a home with a strong emphasis on minimalism
The relaxing and spacious living room on the upper floor
The bright interior continues upstairs, where there are three modern bedrooms, a living room and a very striking bathroom.
The aquamarine tiled spa bathroom is one of the most special features of this home.
It is a surprising mix of modern and art deco style and offers a haven for peace and relaxation.
“It’s historic, quirky and chic,” said Stentiford.
A spacious walk-in closet connects to the beautiful bathroom and creates a smooth, open atmosphere throughout the home.
The striking modern bathroom with aquamarine tiles and deep spa bath has a modern, art-deco charm
A spacious walk-in closet leads to the striking bathroom with aquamarine tiles
A tranquil upstairs bedroom that feels more like a modern project than a historic home
A beautiful, bright bedroom on the upper floor
The quiet backyard features a private heated, stone-lined plunge pool surrounded by shady trees.
The spacious veranda offers beautiful views of the surrounding garden and pool.
The unique building, which once had an ‘explosion-proof classification’, has walls that are up to 470mm thick and 1.30m high.
The solid walls provide insulation, keeping the temperature in the house constant all year round.
The sun-heated plunge pool in the private garden
The garden is shaded by citrus and avocado trees and provides a sheltered and peaceful setting for an al fresco breakfast or cup of coffee.
The couple have decided to sell the house, saying they are sad to leave just two years before its 100th anniversary.
Mr Stain hopes the new owners will appreciate the building’s history and charm.
“I hope it’s someone who loves the building for what it is — not just because it’s a home, but because it’s the building itself,” he said.
Agent Angela Stentiford says the building offers the best of the modern world, yet retains its old-world charm.
“This house is a bold statement of confidence and originality, a house that stands out in a world of conformity,” she said.
It will be auctioned on Saturday, July 13th.