This Melbourne property is a ‘secret gem’: hidden behind bluestone laneways in the city’s Carlton neighbourhood, it’s packed with local history and designed for multi-generational living.

The seven-bedroom compound dates from the 1870s when it was a working bakery and stables that delivered bread to the local community. Over a century later, in 1985, the Victorian buildings were bought by the present owner’s family, who slowly converted them into a sprawling family complex that marries heritage features with adaptable living.

Sam Rigopoulos and Paula Bevis at Jellis Craig Northcote are marketing the Carlton North property, with expressions of interest closing on 12 December.

The bakery is a four-bedroom dwelling with lofty ceilings, exposed beams, parquet flooring running throughout, and huge Spanish-style doors. Interiors are whitewashed, and the owners installed a dramatic two-storey light well with a zen Japanese-style garden at the base. That’s one of many leafy views on offer, however.

Over the years, the old concrete yard has been landscaped into a courtyard garden with a vine-covered pergola and mature shrubbery and trees. This lush space connects to the Stables, which has three bedrooms and an art studio and is bathed in north-facing light.

Flick through the gallery above.

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