A 1934 Art Deco home at 2 Albion Street in Balaclava, Victoria, is now on the market after 20 years under its current owners, who preserved its original features while adding modern comforts. Helen and Jack Halliday nearly lost the property in the late 1990s when they missed out at auction, but they purchased it six years later. Since then, they have restored its period elements while incorporating subtle updates, including walls painted in limestone green and lilac, draught-proof window coverings, sealed air vents, and an underground water tank.
The couple, former owners of the Acland Street bookshops Cosmos and Metropolis, found the home’s history deeply meaningful. Neighbors on both sides were descendants of the original families, and they discovered an original family photograph tucked under the floorboards—still intact and free of damp. Earlier renovations in the 1990s had kept many original features, but the Hallidays expanded on those with careful updates.
The house combines old-world charm with modern living. Central hydronic heating, reverse-cycle air conditioning, ceiling fans, and a security system ensure comfort without compromising the property’s historic feel. A timber-panelled hallway leads to spacious living areas, each featuring tiled fireplaces in the living, dining, and family rooms. Bay windows in the living room and glass doors in the dining area flood the space with natural light, opening onto a backyard garden designed for summer evenings.
The front garden, revamped by the Hallidays, now includes native grasses, pygmy date palms, sages, eremophila, and sedums, providing year-round color and texture. The property’s location, close to shops and public transport, adds to its appeal. After two decades of care, the couple is now downsizing, and the home is listed for sale through Skye Jefferys and Sam Paynter at Woodards Elsternwick.
Balaclava’s housing market has shown strong demand for heritage properties, especially those with well-documented histories and preserved original features. Recent sales of comparable Art Deco homes in the area range from $2.5 million to $3.2 million. The Hallidays’ restoration work, balancing preservation with modern upgrades, could make this property particularly attractive to buyers seeking both character and functionality.
The sale marks the end of an era for the Hallidays, who have spent decades embedding the home in their lives. For potential buyers, it offers a chance to own a piece of Melbourne’s architectural past, maintained with care and updated for contemporary living. The listing highlights the property’s original photograph, intact period details, and garden design as key selling points, appealing to those who value both history and practicality.
