An Apartment Inside Toorak’s Coral-Coloured Flats Is For Sale
On The Market
The one-bedroom home at 16/3 Tahara Road, Toorak is for sale.
It’s part of the distinctive 1951 building known as Caringal Flats! Photo – Amelia Stanwix
The flats are made up of a tower and crescent buildings, linked by skybridges. Photo – Amelia Stanwix
The vibrant peach exterior was restored in line with the architect’s original vision. Photo – Amelia Stanwix
The home features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city skyline. Photo – Amelia Stanwix
Owner and architect Ellul Architecture founder Ben Ellul completed a fastidious renovation on the home in 2021.
Sleek black joinery gives the interiors a modern edge.
The kitchen leads to the light-filled living space.
The dining area.
Terrazzo tiles add intrigue to the bathroom.
Ellul Architecture founder Ben Ellul and his wife Genevieve knew they’d found a hidden gem when they stepped inside their home in Caringal Flats for the first time.
‘It’s not often you come across an inner-city apartment with windows in all directions in one of Melbourne’s best suburbs,’ Ben says.
Located in Toorak, the 1950s apartment was designed by architect John W. Rivett and is instantly recognisable by its modernist flair and coral-coloured exterior.
But when the couple first purchased their one-bedroom home at 16/3 Tahara Road in 2016, the block was painted beige and had suffered after some years of neglect.
‘The potential was clear to us and we were keen to restore not only our apartment, but to see the entirety of Caringal Flats restored to its original charm,’ Ben says.
‘It’s state-heritage-listed and truly unique, featuring two distinct buildings — the Tower and the Crescent — linked by a series of skybridges.’
Before moving in, Ben thoughtfully redesigned the 58-square-metre apartment to make use of every space.
Sleek custom joinery was added to the living area and kitchen, allowing for ample storage and movement throughout, as terrazzo and Tasmanian oak floorboards enhance it’s mid-century appeal.
‘We love how efficiently the space works. While it’s compact living, the rooms feel generous and the natural light from every angle feels almost luxurious,’ Ben adds.
And shortly after they moved into the renovated apartment in 2021, the body corporate also decided it was time to repaint the exterior in line with the architect’s original vision, returning it to its vibrant coral and blue colour scheme.
Ben and Genevieve have loved the convenience of living in such a central location — ‘public transport, shops and wine bars are all a short walk away’ — but perhaps their favourite thing has been the retro magic of Caringal Flats itself.
‘The floor-to-ceiling living room windows that perfectly frame the Melbourne skyline are hard to beat, especially at sunset,’ Ben says.
The home is now on the market once again, as Ben sets his sights on a new and exciting project that was ‘too good to pass up’.
‘[We’ll miss] sitting on our couch in the golden glow of a stunning Melbourne sunset. Or equally, watching a storm roll in over city. There’s nothing quite like it.’
16/3 Tahara Road, Toorak is listed for sale with Joseph Falso from WHITEFOX Real Estate.