13 Gordon Street, Clifton Hill, Vic 3068

Designed by its architect owner, this understated free-flowing single residence makes creative use of glass to ensure maximum light to all rooms. 13 Gordon Street, with its facade of warm stackbond brickwork, slatted timber panelling, and second storey set well to the rear, blends tastefully into the period streetscape.

Each of the three spacious bedrooms (one downstairs, two upstairs) adjoins a bathroom; the ground floor bedroom incorporates a built-in study, while the master has a large walk-through wardrobe and a private deck. A glass-walled internal courtyard provides maximum light to the ground floor, where a sleek gourmet kitchen looks over a vast living area flowing out to a Japanese-inspired courtyard, floored like the service areas of the house in grey Chinese bluestone. A separate study on the first floor opens out from the gallery at the top of the timber staircase.

This remarkable inner urban residence, which contains a separate laundry, garaging for two cars, and an unusual amount of storage space, is distinguished by an array of integrated design features and quality fittings. The location - close to parklands, cafes, and rail service to the CBD - leaves nothing to be desired.