Rare architectural masterpiece gets passed in at auction amid subdued spring selling season

A rare property in Melbourne’s CBD got passed in at auction on Saturday in an overall subdued spring selling season across the combined capital cities.

The abode at 301/241 Flinders Lane, listed through Scott McElroy and Sam Fenna of Belle Property Carlton, had a price guide of $820,000 to $880,000 prior to auction.

As of 2pm on Saturday, the property in a heritage-listed building got passed in at $810,000 with a few interested parties. With negotiations underway, a price is expected to be agreed on over the weekend.

Built in 1898 and known as Bible House, the Flinders Lane building was built by architect and city planner Frank Stapley. It was later bought by the British Foreign Society where 50,000 bibles were sold annually.

301/241 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, VIC

SOLD - Price Withheld

301/241 Flinders Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000

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The two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment has since been designed by renowned architect Clare Cousins and takes on a minimalist yet urban aesthetic.

It’s spacious and light-filled with a focus on plywood joinery and pinewood floors, that complements nicely against the whitewashed walls and black pendant lights.

The bathroom features trendy terrazzo tiles and gold plated tapware, and there’s also a mezzanine that can be used for storage space.

The latest Domain data reveals that there were 1,804 auctions scheduled for Saturday across the combined capital cities. Melbourne accounted for 1,040 of these.

Despite the impressive volume, it’s still an overall subdued spring selling season compared to last year with mixed auction results over the past few weeks.

Over in South East Melbourne on Saturday, the home at 39/201 Wellington Parade sold for $1,665,000 to a family from the country who intend to reside in it. The reserve price was $1,595,000.

39/201 Wellington Parade, South East Melbourne, VIC

SOLD - $1,664,997

39/201 Wellington Parade South, East Melbourne VIC 3002

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The renovated three-bedroom, two-bathroom townhouse apartment generated a strong crowd at auction with three bidders.

Interiors take on a luxurious feel with soaring ceilings, pendant lights, plush carpet in the bedrooms and French doors that lead out onto the balcony.

Agent Monique Depierre of Kay & Burton said “it is absolutely no surprise that multiple parties were keen to purchase this property today.”

“Fully renovated and situated in the most iconic of locations, this beautiful apartment had a great campaign with well-attended open inspections throughout.”