18 hours ago
Ex-brothel to sell for almost $3million in Melbourne after wild transformation from used mattresses to modern design
An ex-brothel in one of Melbourne 's trendiest suburbs is set to go under the hammer after being renovated into a stylish family home.
Previously known as the Club Rose bordello, the venue-turned-home 182 Rose Street in Fitzroy was purchased by Paul Ghaie and partner Lucy Wallace in 2014.
At the time, the property came complete with used mattresses, spa baths and a glowing neon sign that once lured punters in with the promise of 'exquisite ladies.'
'We were living in an apartment two doors up when it was still a working brothel,' said Mr Ghaie to on Thursday.
'But the tenants fled in the middle of the night… then it went up for sale.'
The abrupt exit of its former occupants meant the brothel was still fully set up when they got the keys.
Following a transformation, it has been listed with a price guide of $2.9million to $3.1million.
But while the home has been completely transformed, some cheeky hints of its past remain.
'We didn't want to erase the history,' Mr Ghaie explained.
'It was part of the charm, so instead, we worked with it.'
The couple brought in acclaimed Fieldwork Architects for a 'sympathetic renovation,' creating two separate buildings connected by a courtyard garden.
The result was a beautifully crafted residence with four bedrooms, multiple living areas with room to both work and relax.
'With a humble façade and a colourful past this property has been transformed... to provide beautiful spaces for a diversity of uses,' the listing said.
The home also offers a distinct layout, which the listing says allows for versatility.
'Live in one, work in one, rent one, or use it all, the choice is yours,' the advert said.
While a lot of the former brothel's features were stripped out, including the aforementioned mattresses and plumbing, some remnants were retained.
The couple kept the VIP area's Roman columns and restored a pink neon sign, which still lights up the courtyard today.
The property owners didn't want to lose some of the history of the home, including pink paint and a sign referencing the 'exquisite ladies' who were advertised when it was a brothel
'The pink paint, the sign, they're little nods to what it was,' Ms Wallace said.
'We didn't want it to feel sterile. It's a home with personality.'
The home is set to go up for auction next Saturday, on June 28.
Paul Gahie and Lucy Wallace were approached for comment by Daily Mail Australia.
