The secret lives of Australia’s wildest historic homes

From chocolate factories to jail cells, Australia is full of weird and wonderful historic buildings. 

Many of these structures were never intended to be lived in. 

But that hasn’t stopped visionary designers transforming these quirky buildings into one-of-a-kind homes. 

Here are some of the most unique historic homes for sale in Australia right now. 

Chocolate factory

EOI $895,000 - $980,000

8/156 Rose Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065

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Before the hipsters moved in, Fitzroy was a gritty industrial area of Melbourne buzzing with tradespeople and factory workers. 

One of the biggest employers in town was MacRobertson’s chocolate factory. 

It’s here that some of Australia’s most iconic treats were invented – from the Freddo Frog to the Cherry Ripe. 

In the 1990s, the former confectionery works was transformed into apartments. One of the units is now up for sale. 

It’s a two-bedroom home with soaring ceilings and polished concrete floors that wouldn’t look out of place in New York City. 

The apartment is for sale with Nelson Alexander Fitzroy for $895,000 to $980,000. 

Police station

Auction

57 James Street, Hamilton NSW 2303

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For decades, this modest building in Newcastle, NSW was the Hamilton Police Station. 

The brick property was first built in 1873, and still comes with the original jail cells out the back. 

Heavy metal bolts and ominous padlocks hint at the lock-up’s past life. 

The former police station is currently set up for commercial use, with offices and a kitchenette. 

But there is zoning to turn it into a multi-dwelling residential development, subject to council approval. 

The property will go to auction with Mavis Property Co. There is no public price guide. 

Creche

Auction $820,000 - $900,000

4/105 Neill Street, Carlton VIC 3053

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A century ago, this red brick property was a lifesaver for working mums. 

The Carlton Creche was the first ever purpose-built childcare centre in Melbourne, dating back to 1919. 

It was initially designed as a charitable institution for the children of widows, “deserted wives”, and women with “useless husbands”. 

Without childcare, many working mothers would have been forced to place their children in an orphanage. 

A two-bedroom apartment in the former creche is currently for sale. 

Plenty of original features remain, including Edwardian cast-iron fireplaces and picture rails. There is also a sunny roof terrace. 

The unit will go to auction with Nelson Alexander Carlton. The guide price is $820,000 to $900,000. 

Train carriage

Expressions Of Interest

Ariah Park NSW 2665

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Trainspotters will love this historic railway carriage in country New South Wales, which is currently listed for sale. 

The carriage – dubbed ‘The Overlander’ – has spent nearly two decades as a successful bed and breakfast. 

It’s one of two vintage carriages on the owner’s property in sleepy Ariah Park in the Riverina.

The vendors have decided to sell the Overlander in order to downsize their holiday let business. 

The carriage is for sale via expressions of interest with Miller & James Real Estate. 

Malt house

$2,750,000

41 Lyndhurst Street, Richmond VIC 3121

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This former malt house in Richmond, Melbourne has been a local landmark for decades. 

It was first built in the 1880s by a family of local brewers. 

By the 1930s, maltings giant Barrett and Burston had taken over the site. They continued to operate the malt works until the 1970s. 

A three-bedroom unit in the old malt house is currently up for grabs. 

It features soaring timber roof trusses and an industrial steel staircase. 

Two ivy-covered terraces give the impression of being in a secret garden in the middle of the city. 

The apartment is for sale with Marshall White Boroondara for $2,750,000.