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Behind the ugly exterior of this tram station is a modern home

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By Amanda Bechara For Daily Mail Australia

07:24 14 Jul 2024, updated 09:09 14 Jul 2024



A couple have revealed how they transformed an abandoned tram station into their dream home, complete with ultra-modern interiors.

Tucked away in Adelaide‘s leafy Malvern, the old station electrified the nearby tram line from 1926 to the 1950s.

From the outside it looks tired and old, but step inside and that all changes thanks to the building being completely reimagined as an an exclusive, light-filled loft-style four-bedroom home.

Owners Corbet Stain and his partner, Dianna Palmer, have called the converted property home for more than 30 years. 

They are proud of their restoration efforts. 

‘The building is fairly forgettable from the exterior but, when you get inside, it isn’t what you would expect,’ he said.

Mr Stain snapped up the property as a unique renovation project that could offer warehouse style living.

And this is exactly what he has created, knocking down the old internal walls and giving the home an edgy, modern feel. 

The almost 100 year old exterior of the tram station has remained largely untouched by renovations
The gorgeous, open living space draws in light from surrounding windows
The stark, modern staircase divides the living and dining area on the ground floor
The dining room flows easily into the kitchen and is ideal for entertaining
The elegant modern kitchen has accents of stainless steel and dramatic red surfaces
The open plan downstairs area was the result of knocking down old walls, allowing for flexible family living

The new flexible floor plan allows for easy flow between different areas of the home that you would never expect to find in a property this old.

Inside, huge ground floor windows open onto a charming, peaceful backyard and private verandah that is dotted with citrus and avocados trees. 

An elegant, minimal white staircase divides the kitchen and dining area from the rest of the downstairs living space. 

The generous master bedroom, ensuite and office space are also located on the ground level.

The modern kitchen with its pops of bright red opens to the adjacent dining area, making an ideal set up for effortless entertaining.

The ground floor master bedroom comes with its own adjacent home office and kitchenette
The striking red tile creates a welcome pop of colour in the home with its heavy emphasis on minimalism
The relaxing and spacious upstairs lounge room

The bright interiors continue upstairs where there are three modern bedrooms, a living room and a very striking bathroom. 

The aquamarine-tiled spa bathroom is one of the unique home’s standout features. 

It’s a surprising blend of modern and art deco style and offers a sanctuary-like retreat for rest and relaxation. 

It’s ‘historical, quirky and chic,’ Ms Stentiford said.

A generous walk-in wardrobe connects to the stunning bathroom and continues the feeling of easy, open flow that is felt throughout the home. 

The striking modern bathroom with its aquamarine tile and deep spa bath has a modern meets art deco charm
A generous walk in wardrobe leads in to the striking aquamarine tiled bathroom
A tranquil upstairs bedroom that feels more part of a modern development than a historical home
A gorgeous, light-filled upstairs bedroom

The tranquil backyard boasts its own heated, stone-lined plunge pool surrounded by shady trees.

The generous verandah has a beautiful view of the surrounding garden and pool. 

The unique property which once had an ‘explosion proof rating’, has walls that are up to 470mm thick and 1.30m tall.

The solid walls provide insulation that allows the home to keep a constant temperature throughout the year. 

The solar-heated plunge pool in the private backyard
The garden is shaded by citrus and avocados trees and provides a secluded and peaceful backdrop for an outdoor breakfast or quite cup of coffee

The couple have decided to sell the home – and revealed they are sad to be leaving just two years before the building’s 100th anniversary.

Mr Stain is hoping the new owners will appreciate the building’s history and charm.

‘I hope it’s someone that loves the building for what it is – not just for being a home, but the building itself,’ he said. 

The realtor Angela Stentiford says the building has the best of the modern world while keeping its old-time charm. 

‘This home is a bold declaration of confidence and originality, standing apart in a world of conformity,’ she said.

It’s heading to auction on Saturday, July 13.

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