176 Scotchmer Street, Fitzroy North, Vic 3068

Built ca 1910, this superbly restored North Fitzroy terrace has immediate street appeal, with its tuck pointing, gabled terracotta roof, fretwork and iron railings. Entrance is to a wide Baltic-floored hallway with timber dado and fretwork arch. The handsomely proportioned main bedroom, which looks over the garden through box bay windows, has pressed metal ceilings and a fine timber overmantel. Like the two further bedrooms, it has polished floors and white plantation shutters to ensure maximum light and privacy. All the bedrooms have new custom-built wardrobes. The hallway opens into a large sitting room with open fireplace and abundant natural light. A craftsman built kitchen with cherrywood cabinets, granite benchtops and quality appliances overlooks the dining area which opens out through double doors to the courtyard. A European laundry sits to one side of the kitchen, and a spacious bathroom and separate WC occupy the western side of the house. The landscaped brick-paved courtyard, ideal for year-round al fresco living, has pedestrian right-of-way access.

This fine property, which is hydronically heated throughout, has been very tastefully restored to provide a particularly satisfying fusion of period and contemporary design. Its location leaves nothing to be desired: the shops and cafes of North Fitzroy are a few minutes walk in one direction, and the Edinburgh Gardens are just around the corner. Schools and public transport (both train and tram) are close by.