Fall in love with this seaside Art Deco original in the heart of Wollongong

A sun-drenched apartment in an original Art Deco style building has hit the market in the heart of Wollongong and is attracting interest from chic buyers and savvy investors.

Built in 1940, the heritage complex with its arched windows and Juliet balconies exudes charm for years gone by and, according to the selling agent, has a soul that you can feel as soon as you enter the building.

Paul Piacentin from Stone Real Estate Illawarra says 4/10 Crown Street, Wollongong has a “good aura” and “just feels like home”.

The high ceilings, original timber flooring and expansive windows capture the character of 1940s Wollongong, from a time when the city’s population boomed as migrant workers arrived seeking employment in the thriving steel industry.

The eight-apartment complex was tastefully refurbished from top to bottom in 2013, but Paul says it retains the character features that give it a unique warmth and coastal vibe inside and out, including ornate cornices, picture rails and expanses of glass.

Unit 4 is situated on level two, on the eastern side of the building, with a relaxing master bedroom and attached study or retreat drinking in ocean vistas.

Paul says the two-bedroom apartment boasts a spacious floorplan, with large rooms that are not typical of the 1940s vintage.

“It’s unusually large for its age, with 102 square metres of internal living space,” he said.

“Most apartments from that time have a much smaller footprint, and we’re seeing that again with the more modern apartments around the city.

“People love the size and the sunny living areas.”

Just listed with a price guide of $820,000 to $860,000, Paul has had interest from buyers seeking to live in the property or rent out as an investment, with the current long-term tenant keen to stay on.

He says it would also make an ideal family holiday retreat or Airbnb due to its prime location.

“The apartment is in a great spot, close to the beach, restaurants, cafes and the shopping centre,” Paul said.

“You can literally walk to everything. It’s all at your fingertips, offering the perfect blend of city and coastal lifestyle for anyone seeking permanent living or holidays.”

Located footsteps from the bustling City Beach foreshore, the apartment is opposite the WIN Entertainment Centre, stadium and the popular Illawarra Brewery.

You can walk to the beach, catch a wave, relax in the sun, play a round of golf or take in a show or footy match without taking the car out of the garage.

Wander up to the boutiques, coffee shops and restaurants in the mall or check out what’s on in Lang Park, known for its fabulous festivals, outdoor exhibitions and community events such as Christmas carols.

The apartment is a secluded retreat surrounded by a vibrant city, and the solid double brick structure and intercom entry ensure it is both quiet and secure.

The sensitive makeover has resulted in a fresh, coastal style that could be embraced by a buyer keen to revive that Art Deco mood. Paul says the long-term tenant has cared for the property for around 10 years – since the reno – and it is in immaculate condition.

The central, bright white kitchen, with 40-millimetre stone benchtops and gas appliances, flows onto a generous open-plan living area with access to a sunny north-facing rear balcony.

Paul says the elegant master bedroom at the front of the building has a built-in robe with French doors leading to a versatile study or parents’ retreat with ocean views to the south-east.

The sparkling bathroom is contemporary with a rain shower and floor-to-ceiling wall tiles, while a separate laundry, linen cupboard and single lock-up garage round out the home’s features.

This property provides an opportunity for first home-buyers to enter the hot Wollongong market in style, or secure an attractive holiday or investment opportunity.

Contact Paul Piacentin at Stone Real Estate Illawarra on 0411754884 to arrange an inspection at 4/10 Crown Street, Wollongong.