ICONIC NORTHCOTE MILK BAR TURNED MULTI-USE HOME HITS THE MARKET AFTER 26 YEARS

A former milk bar with roots dating back to the 1930s has hit the market in Northcote, near Melbourne, offering a rare blend of nostalgia, design flair and future potential.

The heritage-listed property at 181 Heidelberg Road, once a suburban corner-store staple, has since been transformed into three self-contained dwellings and is being offered for sale for the first time in

over two decades.

Zoned for industrial use, the six-bedroom, six-bathroom property is being marketed by Ray White Northcote agent John Catanzariti via an expressions of interest process, closing on 18 June.

“This property is more than a home – it’s a living artwork, a sanctuary and a future-ready investment in one of Melbourne’s most dynamic inner-north pockets,” Mr Catanzariti said.

Current owners Basil Griffith and Marcus Favaloro have owned the building for 26 years, lovingly restoring and repurposing its unique spaces while retaining the historical character.

“We have given this property life, and it really has been such a privilege to be able to give it our extra love,” Mr Griffith said.

“The old bones were already here, but we were able to revamp with a distinctive style while still honouring the history of the property.”

The front of the house, once a functioning milk bar, now features arched doorways, a gabled roof, polished floors and a kitchen-dining zone designed for entertaining. The cool rooms were converted into bedrooms, and a private, evergreen courtyard was added.

“The old cool rooms were turned into spacious bedrooms opening onto the elevated section, which is where the horse and carts would pull up to have the milk vats and bottles loaded on for the morning deliveries,” Mr Griffith said.

In the middle section, a gallery space was used for the couple’s business, Business by Design Event Group. It also hosted intimate art shows and boutique events.

“It has classic meets modern styling with accents of black, glass French doors and modern bathrooms and bedrooms, one with an ensuite and walk-in robe,” he said. “The living space with glass sliding doors opens up to another courtyard.”

At the rear, the original stables still retain their rustic charm.

“It really is a touch of country within the inner city. We never needed to go away, we would just have a weekend there! Which is why it has been the perfect Airbnb,” Mr Griffith said.

“This isn’t just a property, this is a piece of Northcote’s story.”

Mr Griffith said the set-up has been ideal for blending work and life.

“The convenience of living in the caretaker’s residence and conducting a business in the same building has been incredible,” he said.

“This is a wonderful place for a multi-generational family home or a unique business opportunity. Now, it’s someone else’s turn to look after this iconic piece of Melbourne history.”