Styling: Lucy Glade-Wright | Photography: Nikole Ramsay
Not everyone gets to share and live in a piece of Australian Architectural History, but that has been a reality for Hunting for George co-founder Lucy Glade-Wright. Lucy purchased one of only 8 apartments in this iconic 1940 Art Deco apartment block back in 2008. After a decade of very happy memories and newly completed renovations, her apartment is now on the market.
The heritage listed building is located in Armadale and was designed by architect Stuart Hall in 1940. More recently this unique block of flats has been privy to a makeover both inside and out. A fresh new external paint job returned the building to its former glory and a Palm Springs inspired garden now wraps around the curved block.
“I've always been drawn to Art Deco buildings, they have a certain romance to them. It is a much loved building in Armadale and known by many of the locals. It has been so wonderful to hear positive feedback on its restoration from locals. People seem to feel a close attachment to this building, even those who don't live here. It's quite special in that way.” Lucy Glade-Wright
Inside, Lucy has transformed the interiors of her apartment with an overall modern coastal theme to reflect the Palm Springs aesthetic of the garden. With the apartment already consisting of ‘great bones’ there was little structural changes that were made. Instead, Lucy focused on cosmetic changes namely new window furnishings to accentuate the gorgeous curves of the building, replacing light fixtures and painting all internal walls to enhance the amazing natural light in the space.
The hub of the home is most definitely the living room as it connects you to the kitchen, courtyard and hallway. Towards the back of the apartment sit 2 bedrooms and bathroom, the apartment then extends further with access to an incredible rooftop for outdoor entertaining with clear views of the city.
And now this iconic apartment in Armadale is on the market!
A little big of history: The properties that now exist on Lalbert Crescent were once part of the extensive grounds of a mansion of the same name, that was built in 1880 for C.J. Ham. Following his death in 1909 the estate was progressively subdivided into suburban allotments.
As the demand for housing became greater, the development of flats increased, but there was fear that these residential flats were going to ruin the character of the suburb. So to counter the criticism, leading architects were employed to design these apartment blocks so as not to upset the local residents or ruin the charm of the area. Stuart Hall was employed to design this building which was completed in 1940. He designed quite a number of flat developments in St Kilda, South Yarra and Armadale during the inter-war period. His designs are all in the Moderne style, sometimes with Jazz or Art Deco detailing.
