B. Y. O.

Last weekend  attended an auction for a 1.5 bedroom flat in St Kilda, Melbourne. Starting asking price was $600,000 AuDlls. It went for $702,500.

Some attributes included a heritage listed Victorian building, very high ceilings, two fireplaces, generous open-plan living/dining/ kitchen area, nice large master-bedroom, stained glass windows, located on the top-second level, still, it felt solid as on ground level (although hollow internal partition walls), nice location on a leafy street (across from Theatre Works on Acland St) and a few steps away from, cafes, restaurants and the bay. Overall it felt classy and a little bit like an art gallery.

The down side, besides what I consider being a little-too-pricy i.e. for what it is, there was no outlook, no views as the building is boxed-in surrounded by newer art-deco buildings.  No balcony, outside space nor outdoor areas, not even space to pull a chair out (although two floor-to-ceiling french-windows)... still, a looming seven-level development is to be built at the back of the block in the very near future. Although no windows facing the future construction site noise levels are worth considering!

As much as I like the feel and character of "A" flat - it is perhaps time to stop looking around and build my own: BYO

Guillermo
p.s.  for those non-aussies, BYO refer as as bringing your own bottle of wine (ie. when dining out in a Melbourne restaurant).


Guillermo Aranda-Mena © 2015