Life on the street: 57 Elphin Street, Newport, 3015

57 Elphin Street, Newport, 3015 (Photo supplied)

By Carole Levy

A nifty corner shop conversion with an intriguing face to the street, this residence certainly has a claim to distinction. It simultaneously puts “living on the street” in a whole new light and residents in touch with the soul-pulse of the neighbourhood.

Revamped to a high level, the house retains romantic detail, such as stepped cornices on high ceilings, deep skirts, and a boarded ceiling in one room and a cast-iron fireplace (with gorgeous tiles and surround) in another.

 

51 Elphin Street, Newport, 3015

 

The palette ranges through greys and charcoal; either full-height sheers or roller blinds dress windows; and polished floorboards are laid virtually all through.

The first room beyond entry is a spacious lounge room that externally skirts the corner footpath. This is the space for post-dinner sit-downs, whether to have a cosy read in the warmth from the split-system or catch the latest movie – or set up a laptop workstation to hit the other sort of books.

A long hallway heads north from here to the meals zone and kitchen, passing on the way the three fitted bedrooms, and the bathroom adjoining the laundry with toilet. The bathroom, with white tiling, is simple and modern, with separate tub and shower.

Which spacious bedroom best serves as the main is up for grabs. One has that fireplace as trump card; another has a rich, inviting palette of mid-grey wall paint and white trims; and the third is all about neutrals. Two of them also have a split-system, the third in the meals zone.

The sleek kitchen, with a waterfall stone island brekkie bench (for three) that matches the grey shade of the glass splashback, has loads of white seamless cupboards and all the shiny mod-cons.

It also has plenty of cred as interactive entertainment hub, connecting as it does with a covered deck via bifolds. And beyond the deck, there’s a spacious paved courtyard – with nicely planted gardens each side – that meets the rear garage and adjoining toilet.

The station, the Strand waterfront and Newport Park are a five-minute stroll away.

 

57 Elphin Street, Newport 3015 (Photo supplied)
57 Elphin Street, Newport 3015 (Photo supplied)
57 Elphin Street, Newport 3015 (Photo supplied)
57 Elphin Street, Newport 3015 (Photo supplied)
57 Elphin Street, Newport 3015 (Photo supplied)