A beautifully crafted townhouse in Melbourne's inner-north suburb of Thornbury has been listed for sale, marking the end of a heartwarming multi-generational family project. The property at 191B Miller Street represents a unique collaboration between Well Grounded Building director Stephen Ward, his wife Anna, and his architect sister Tara Ward from the acclaimed Melbourne firm Fowler and Ward.
The story behind this modern townhouse began when Stephen and Anna Ward purchased the property from Anna's family, who had owned the Thornbury block since the 1980s. After living on the site for five years, the two generations made the decision to demolish the original bungalow and create two separate townhouses on the suburban lot. This innovative approach allowed them to build one home for Anna and Stephen's young family while providing a suitable downsizing option for the grandparents.
When it came time to select an architect for the ambitious project, the choice was clear. Stephen's sister Tara Ward, from the highly regarded Melbourne architectural firm Fowler and Ward, was brought in to handle the design. The family also enlisted boutique builders ProvanBuilt, who were known for their perfectionist attention to every detail throughout the construction process.
Although the project was completed several years ago, the house continues to look as impressive as the day it was finished. "It is messier with children, but the finishes and details have survived both time and kids," Stephen reflects, having just listed the property for sale as the family prepares to move to a larger home. The durability and quality of the construction have proven themselves through years of family living.
The two-story townhouse features its own private entry and front yard, creating a sense of independence and privacy. Upon entering through the timber front door, visitors are greeted by stunning burnished concrete floors that flow throughout the interior spaces. The compact floor plan has been maximized through the strategic use of terrazzo accents and carefully considered built-in joinery that enhances both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
The rear living spaces showcase one of the home's most impressive features: expansive double-glazed doors that slide back completely to reveal a delightful outdoor deck. This seamless indoor-outdoor connection floods the interior with natural light throughout the year, even during Melbourne's darker winter months. The thoughtful placement of windows throughout the home has been a key element in creating comfortable living spaces year-round.
"Fowler and Ward have placed the windows with such care and consideration. We see either greenery or sky through every window without any direct sunlight," Stephen explains. The architectural team's attention to orientation and window placement has resulted in a home that maintains comfortable temperatures naturally. "The house is extremely comfortable year-round due to the double-glazed windows, insulation and utilization of thermal mass. We hardly use the heating and only need to put the air conditioning on when it is extremely hot."
Beyond the architectural merits of the home, the location offers significant advantages for future owners. Stephen notes that the property sits just 100 meters from the popular Merri Creek and surrounding parklands, providing easy access to green space and recreational opportunities. Additionally, the vibrant High Street shopping and dining precinct is within a comfortable 15-minute walk, offering residents access to Melbourne's renowned café culture and retail offerings.
The property at 191B Miller Street, Thornbury, Victoria, has been listed for sale with James Labiris from Nelson Alexander Ivanhoe. The townhouse will go to auction on Saturday, August 30, at 10:00 AM, giving potential buyers the opportunity to acquire this architect-designed family home in one of Melbourne's most sought-after inner-north neighborhoods.
