TV studio goes residential

There's something about the "olden days" that is so glorious. Time went slower, you had to walk to school (for miles over broken glass I seem to recall), and television studios didn't just make great family entertainment, they also headquartered themselves in astonishingly grand buildings.

Like this one, formerly of that great Australian stalwart, Channel 9 (or GTV 9 as it was), and before that, Heinz (of tinned food fame) and originally built in 1909 as a factory for the Wertheim Piano Company. Which all contributes to a wonderful historic backdrop for a Federation era red brick building adorned with stunning brick piers, molded capping and other classic decorative detail.

So, now that factories (and studios) have moved to the outer, what better use of a building in a highly sought-after part of Melbourne's inner-city than apartments. And with all the space and ceiling height of a TV studio/can factory/piano factory on offer, it's worth doing something special.

Which is exactly what happened. This apartment is an awesome example of how loft-style (or what you might call "New York Style") living can be created out of the shell of a huge heritage building.

Delivering beautiful northerly and southerly aspects, it frames some of the best inner-city views on offer. And the cavernous ceiling height contributes to a grand sense of space and style. 

So much ceiling height, in fact, that an entire internal loft containing a full master suite was created to complement the other two bedrooms, and it is a thing of luxury in itself! Walk through robes, en-suite bathroom, more high ceilings!

But the real treat is in the finishing here - taking cues from the building's past, the design incorporates stage-style lighting in what is a design masterstroke - giving a theatrical touch to already stylish residence.

This apartment is really worth seeing - and it's on the market right now through agent Biggin & Scott. See the listing here.