Abadeen has commenced construction ahead of presales on Kilburn Mansion, an $87 million development, reflecting its confidence in enduring demand for homes distinguished by scarcity, provenance and architectural quality.
Located at the corner of Simpson and George streets in East Melbourne, the project will see acclaimed architectural practice Studio Kennon restore and reimagine a significant Victorian and Edwardian estate, creating a total of nine residences – eight within the heritage buildings and a penthouse set discreetly above them.
Abadeen Managing Director Andrew Leoncelli said Kilburn Mansion reflected the company’s considered approach to development.
“We are highly selective about the sites we pursue, looking for inherent qualities that can underpin an exceptional and enduring project. Kilburn Mansion presented a rare convergence of architectural character, scale and location,” Leoncelli said.
“Studio Kennon’s depth of experience in private residential design made the practice an important partner for the development. The team has brought rigour and individuality to each residence, while establishing a clear architectural vision across the collection.”
Across the estate’s four distinct heritage façades, Studio Kennon has developed each residence in response to the architecture, proportions and orientation of the building it occupies.
Within the original Kilburn Mansion, two residences will retain the building’s Victorian volumes and detailing. Elsewhere, vaulted ceilings follow existing roof forms, while the former stables and outbuildings along George Street have informed a different spatial and material response.
Studio Kennon Director Pete Kennon said each residence was developed through a detailed study of the existing buildings and the patterns of domestic life they could support.
“We began by mapping the existing volumes, thresholds, light and circulation, then developed each plan from those conditions. This process has allowed the heritage to shape how the homes will be lived in and experienced with a new contemporary overlay,” Kennon said.
“At this level, luxury comes from control of space – a considered sequence from arrival to gathering and retreat, rooms with distinct purposes, and the flexibility to accommodate change. We have designed that spatial order into each residence, allowing the estate to continue to evolve and endure.”
Original masonry, stained glass, wrought iron and detailed timberwork will be restored, complemented by natural stone, timber joinery and tactile materials selected for their longevity.
The eight residences within the heritage buildings will comprise seven three-bedroom homes spanning approximately 200 to 280 square metres internally, typically with two living areas, and one approximately 147-square-metre two-bedroom home. Ceiling heights across the collection will reach 4.5 metres.
A penthouse totalling approximately 843 square metres across its internal, external and private garage areas will form the principal contemporary addition. Conceived as a discreet pavilion set back above the heritage façades, it will comprise approximately 481 square metres internally, 193 square metres of outdoor space and a 169-square-metre private garage accommodating five cars. It will also feature direct lift access, a private rooftop garden and views towards the MCG, surrounding treetops and the city skyline. Abadeen plans to retain the penthouse for release at a later stage.
Teena Crawford’s landscape design will draw the collection together through private gardens and planted spaces informed by East Melbourne’s established garden character. The site is within walking distance of the CBD, Fitzroy Gardens, the MCG and Melbourne’s principal cultural, dining, healthcare and business precincts.
Abadeen has commenced stage 1 building works which encompass the demolition of all non heritage elements of the site along with the preservation, propping and retention of all critical heritage elements.
The sales campaign is now underway, with the residences priced from approximately $4.5 million. Sales are being led by Sarah Case of RT Edgar, with private appointments available.
Kilburn Mansion marks the next phase of Abadeen’s expansion in Victoria, where the company established operations approximately two and a half years ago. Across Victoria and New South Wales, Abadeen now has approximately $1.3 billion in projects under construction and a further approximately $1.5 billion development pipeline under acquisition and planning.