Written by the Owners at 22 Emerald St, South Melbourne

No. 22 Emerald Street, South Melbourne is an original 2 storey brick townhouse built in 1882.
Located in a quiet, tightly-held heritage area, this property is on the market for the first time in 35 years.
Close to the vibrant South Melbourne Market and Clarendon Street precincts, with its many restaurants and shops, it is just a short tram or bus ride from the Melbourne CBD too.
The present owners have lovingly, restored, conserved and maintained the original period features of their unique property.
Major restoration work has included a new slate roof, ridge capping and guttering.
Downstairs the whole floor, which had rot, was replaced with reclaimed boards. Re-stumping and excavation to improve underfloor ventilation, was done as well.
The three double-hung sash upstairs were replaced with new, period correct window frames made from Western Red Cedar. This is a more durable timber, less prone to rot.
Downstairs a Real Flame Gas Fire was installed into a locally-sourced, antique cast iron grate. This replaced a very unsympathetic electric radiator.
Two original cast iron fire grates are in situ: one in a bedroom upstairs, the other downstairs in the living room. The fourth fireplace has no grate. Currently blocked off with a wooden panel, it could easily be reinstated.
The interior of 22 Emerald Street is a rare survivor, because all the skirting boards, architraves, and doors are original.
Any missing or incorrect door handles and porcelain fingerplates have been replaced by the current owners, with original period correct items.
Some very minor conservation work has been done to the mortar which was in good condition. The correct colour and composition was matched to the existing mortar, using a lime and sand mortar in the ratio of 1:3. (No cement was used in the mix, its hardness causing bricks to crack over time).
The interior woodwork was not over-restored, with many small dents and wear being viewed as valuable patina that reflects the age of this 142 year old home.
The Council approved exterior heritage colour scheme for 22 Emerald Street is:
Exterior window frames, door architrave and fanlight glazing bars: Haymes ‘Biscuit’ Gloss Acrylic
Front Door: Haymes ’Rich Red’ Gloss Acrylic
Guttering: Dulux ‘Deep Admiralty Grey’ Gloss Acrylic Downpipe: Hames ‘Sparrow’ Gloss Acrylic
Interior architraves, skirting boards and doors: Dulux ‘Regency White’ Low Sheen Enamel
Interior walls have the original lime plaster and painted with breathable acrylic paint: Haymes ‘Butterscotch’ Low Sheen Acrylic Stairs: Black Japanned Floors: Sealed and waxed using natural beeswax products.
Now all No.22 Emerald Street needs, is some new custodians who will appreciate and enjoy this unique Victorian home.