Indi and the Chocolate Factory: The personal connection to this converted warehouse

Indianna (Indi) Roehrich might not have the velvet top hat or a band of greedy children at her heels, but like Willy Wonka a chocolate factory is a large part of her life – she lives and works in a converted warehouse that was once part of the MacRobertson chocolate factory.

Founded in 1880, the MacRobertson Steam Confectionary Company produced some of Australia’s most loved chocolates; the Freddo Frog, Snack and Cherry Ripe bars to name a few.

The factory relocated to Ringwood in the 1980s after the MacRobertson family sold the company to Cadbury in 1967, and the Fitzroy building was eventually converted into living accommodation in the late 1990s.

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Roehrich has been living and working from this converted warehouse since 2016 and its delicious history is not the only appeal – Roehrich’s family also have a personal connection to the building.

“My grandad Murray has fond memories of his mother coming to work at the MacRobertson factory for many years,” Roehrich says.

“He now loves coming to visit me and I think it is wonderful that we have this connection to the building’s history.

“He tells me how his mother used to bring home ‘factory seconds’ of the Cherry Ripe bars, which she purchased for about one cent each. He says they tasted good then too and that’s why he still eats them, as do I!”

The four-storey apartment has many original features from its time as a chocolate factory.

“It has a mix of curved brick walls and timber floors interspersed with steel boiler plates. The oversized windows give a real feeling of light and space and the roof terrace enjoys uninterrupted views over the whole city.”

Roehrich shares her home with spoodle pup Bailey, but during the day it is also home to her social media Simply Social and public relations business Simply PR, and five employees.

“I have always worked from home and I started off with my laptop working from one of the top floor bedrooms. Now there are a few more of us, we have shifted downstairs to the kitchen and living room,” she says.

“Spending so much time in this unique space, in the vibrant suburb of Fitzroy, is perfect for the creative industry I work in. In fact, we often use the backdrop of the apartment or the local area for client shoots.”

With plenty of indoor plants and a bright white palette, it is easy to see how Roehrich’s interior decor has been informed by New York-style loft living.

“The ceiling height and oversized windows coupled with the brick and timber make it very easy to style. I have added pops of greenery throughout … to create a super relaxed, yet creative space.”

Roehrich confesses that while the bones of the space are great, the converted warehouse has not been renovated in a number of years.

“The curved wooden bench in the kitchen and yellow tiles are not my choice but they add personality and quirk, which is what this home is all about.”

According to Roehrich, the only downside of living in an old chocolate factory is the constant desire for chocolate.

“There is something about living in an old chocolate factory and seeing photos of the building in its heyday [hung in the shared space], that I seem to want to eat a lot of chocolate. I have a fully stocked fridge, that’s for sure.”

In a nod to the building’s heritage as the birth place of the iconic Cherry Ripe, a symbolic line of cherry trees adorns the shared courtyard for all apartment owners to enjoy.

“The whole community here has a strong sense of pride to live and work in this unique building.

“It is a great privilege to look after a property that not only holds a special place in Melbourne’s foodie history, but in my family’s history too.”