History and urban design intertwine in this Lilyfield warehouse

BW: It’s a warehouse that seems to speak to its Inner West location. How does it fit into its surrounds as a home and unique space?

Cherie: The Inner West has a strong industrial history and this home was proudly part of that. The original warehouse was built in 1920 and was home to the Oh Boy Candy Company, a lolly factory. I sometimes try to visually imagine all the workers, machines and products being manufactured in the property, back in the day. I’ve even searched for historical photographs of the property, but wasn’t able to find anything. I’m someone who loves it when our old buildings are preserved and re-invented in a modern way and this home has very successfully retained so many original features of the warehouse factory such as fire hydrants, old cogs, original brickwork. It’s a visual feast, depending on which way you look.

BW: Much fanfare has been made about the carefully curated details. What has become your favourite feature?

Cherie: I love all the exposed timbers right throughout the warehouse, but especially in the original roof trusses. They are such a beautiful feature of this home and at different times of the day, can have a completely different look. The 400-year-old ship mast over the courtyard area is a very special feature of this house with all its original notches in it. I love that there is so much history to this one piece and it’s just another thing that makes the home so unique.

BW: And as an entertainer? It must have made some memories?

Cherie: We hosted a 50th birthday party that I threw in the warehouse for a family member. We had about 100 people at the party and the space could have easily fitted another 200 or 300 people. It’s obvious from your first impression that the house is ready-made for parties and events, with all the areas so large.