Sydney warehouse hits the market after jaw-dropping renovation

The once 1920s furniture factory at 58 Excelsior Street, Leichardt has undergone a jaw-dropping renovation by Hare + Klein and is being marketed by Ray White Touma Taylor selling agent Walter Burfitt-Williams.

The property is set to go under the hammer on June 28, with a price guide of $5.5M.

Mr Burfitt-Williams said the current owners wanted to respect the building’s history when renovating the property.

He said the double-storey three-bathroom, three-bedroom property would suit a young family, a professional couple, or even downsizers looking for something “hip and groovy”.

“It’s a quirky and a different type of property, which has been superbly transformed into a family home,” Mr Burfitt-Williams said.

“Lots of thought has gone into this meticulous renovation.”

The property features soaring original ceilings fitted with an array of skylights, numerous expansive living spaces, a statement dining room, and polished concrete and rich timber floors.

There is also a courtyard with multiple sitting areas, and a century-old chimney.

Owner Jie Howells and her husband Gary purchased the property in 2015 and said it was “very raw but with great bones”.

“We lived in it comfortably for three years before the renovation,” said Ms Howells, who has a teenage son Harry, and a golden retriever dog called Lucy.

“We engaged Hare + Klein to reimagine the space, and our brief was to retain the industrial heritage and majesty, but make it a special family home and add some designer opulence.

“We used a light touch approach and retained most of its industrial charm.”

Ms Howells said they were lucky to find multi award-winning builder Stratti Building Group who worked closely with Hare + Klein to achieve the designed quality and style of their much-loved home.

Ms Howells said a shipping container within the home had been used for various purposes over the years.

“We used it as a kid’s playroom when our son Harry was young and as a bedroom when we have guests,” she said.

“The shipping container can be used as a meeting room for business, a sitting room, an office, and of course storage.”

“An integral part of this warehouse, it is a very versatile space.

“It can be converted to a wine cellar, an artist studio, a meditation room, a home gym, or a home theatre.

“Over the past 10 years, we have received many suggestions for this shipping container - a

swimming pool, a bar, a recording studio and even a hydroponic tomato farm!

“It is a blank canvas, its use is only limited by one’s imagination.”

Ms Howells, who enjoys cooking and entertaining, said living in the warehouse for the past 10 years was a “pleasant memory”.

“We have had large gatherings and celebrations here, parties, especially at Christmas time with friends and family,” she said.

She revealed her favourite space within the warehouse was the kitchen.

“The kitchen was a focus during the design process. I wanted a kitchen with the space that allows every member of the family to participate in the meal preparation and with all the convenience for entertaining guests,” Ms Howells said.