Central Warrnambool renovated 1900s home leads to million-dollar listing

Nathan Shanley and Sarah Croft purchased 162 Skene Street in July 2015 for $323,000 and is now on the market for $1 million plus. The dilapidated home needed some serious work and while Mr Shanley had a vision, his business partner wasn't so sure.

"I had the goal, but Sarah wasn't very impressed," he said.

It took the couple 12-months to renovate the inside of the house and complete stage one of the project and another year to finish works on the exterior and garage.

"It was horrid, there was a patch of grass in the lounge room," Ms Croft said. "I looked at it and thought no way. I had to put a lot of trust in Nathan because all I saw was the darkness of it.

"We tore it all apart and converted three bedrooms to have en suites and walk-in-robes and then we moved in.

"We had a microwave in our bedroom at the start and when you walked out of our room you'd be outside."

The 1900s sandstone house is finished with a modern contemporary design and features four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a double garage and swimming pool.

With high ceilings, an open-plan kitchen and dining room and a large living space, the showpiece house ticks all the boxes for a dream home.

The home was designed by the pair with the final decisions falling on Ms Croft's shoulders.

"With everything we do, I bring home three of everything I like and let Sarah pick the ultimate," Mr Shanley said.

"This house had good bones but we were surprised with the features, we didn't realise sandstone walls were behind the plaster.

"We're pretty lucky with what we do, we see so many clients and architects so we get a lot of inspiration for what we can do."

The project was completed by Christmas 2018, and the pair, owners of Smith and Sons Renovations and Extensions, originally set an office up in the front room before moving to a Fairy Street location.

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This is the fifth home renovation the business partners have completed together and credit the use of Mr Shanley's labour as a money saver.

"We've probably spent roughly around $500,000 on the house but if anyone else was to do it, it'd be more," Mr Shanley said.

"This was a challenge, it's the hardest renovation we've ever done but it was fun and we'd do it again in a heartbeat.

"It's always been my goal to make a statement with a house in Warrnambool at the $1 million mark. We were always going to sell this place to do another development.

"We thought while the market was hot we'd cash in and it's not like we can't build this again."

Real estate agent Luke Williams has listed the property at $1 to $1.1million and is expecting it to be a competitive sale after buyers of all demographics came through the doors at Saturday's open day.

"I used to have friends who rented this house before and it's fantastic to see it now after what they've done to it," Mr Williams said.

"Previously it sat on the market for ages as no-one had a vision for it but now they've made it beautiful.

"There are plenty of houses on the market that are less in price and need a full reno. At this stage in the year with builders busy, those properties are tough to sell as people have to wait a while to get it started.

"We've had younger people, older people and families through as it opens up to everyone."

After the sale the business partners will move to Otway Road for a three-lot development.

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