There’s a rich history to this Northcote home, which has just hit the market for the first time in 15 years.

The property was built in two stages: the first comprising a two-storey Georgian house originally built circa 1856 by William Rucker as a servant’s quarters for his nearby mansion ‘Sunnyside’.

A Victorian ballroom was added to the grounds circa 1885 by George C Clauscen, who later became the Fitzroy mayor. Many years later, the property was used as a primary school.

Sunnyside has long been demolished, but its accompanying buildings remains in the bones of this generous family home with its beautiful high ceilings and grand proportions.

Jeweller Ali Limb’s family purchased the property 15 years ago after the birth of their second child. As the family evolved, so too has their home, which has been renovated several times to be more sustainable, functional, and connected to its lush private garden.

Ground floor rooms including the bathroom and laundry were firstly modernised by Nicci Leung (removing a 1980s sauna under the stairs!), followed by a larger renovation in 2016.

‘We engaged Megan Norgate from Brave New Eco to design an edible garden and refresh the country kitchen in the heart of our home, connecting it to the back garden,’ says Ali.

‘Megan gave the kitchen a new lease on life with sustainable considerations by removing all the cupboard doors and painting them; resurfacing original timber bench tops; adding elegant, slatted doors to the shelves and pantry; and refreshing the inside of all new joinery with an olive green laminate.

‘This brought the kitchen aesthetic into a contemporary style while maintaining the room’s warm generous country proportions and atmosphere.’

The updated floor plan includes five bedrooms, a study, and multiple living areas across two storeys, as well as a light-filled conservatory.

‘We have loved this home with its many rooms and options to use these spaces in different ways,’ says Ali. ‘We can come together, but everyone also has a place to retreat to their own space, which is a luxury.’

The garden concept was designed by Brave New Eco and executed by McNuttndorf Landscape Design. New decking and a bluestone fire pit zone were introduced in addition to curry trees, cardamon, camellia sinensis, blueberries, raspberries, dwarf bananas, ginger, and many more fragrant and edible plants alongside an existing mulberry tree.

More recently, the garden has been developed further by Ten Tree Garden Makers to feature even more edible plants across a richly textured green landscape.

A 2.75kW solar array and battery has also been installed on the property.

The home is located in one of Melbourne’s most accessible and sought-after inner-north locations in walking distance of to several public transport options, parks, schools, shops and restaurants.

‘I’ll miss arriving home and closing the gate behind me and feeling like I’m living in a farmhouse,’ says Ali. ‘It’s secluded, spacious, and so close to everything we enjoy about living in the city. It’s also a great house for a party!’

212a Clarke Street Northcote VIC is listed for sale with Peter Stephens and Isabelle McEwan Marion at Nelson Alexander and goes to auction at 11am, Saturday December 2.