19 King William Street, Fitzroy, Vic 3065

Prepare to be surprised! The plain façade of this historic residence (ca 1855) gives no clue to the imaginative renovation within, created by multi-award winning architect Grant Amon. His design respects the Georgian simplicity of the original house, fusing this with elements of classic Japanese domestic architecture to create a seamless fusion between indoor and outdoor spaces on a deep sloping block just a few minutes from Brunswick Street and the Exhibition Gardens.

The entrance hallway leads to a large fitted study (or fourth bedroom), then opens out to a graciously proportioned living room with French doors to the slate-paved courtyard, with walls of mellow clay brick and rubble. A wide angled passage opens to a bathroom, accessed from a striking chequer-board glass screen, providing subtle light effects, and on the other side to a storage area finished in silky oak. This timber finish accents the kitchen, custom-built, with pantry, Gaggenau and Miele appliances. A 'noodle-shop' bar provides an informal eating space, part of the stepped-down dining room, fitted with custom-built bulkhead seating and a huge Shoji-style wall of glass to a patio and the landscaped courtyard.

From the living room, a broad timber staircase ascends to two large bedrooms, one with the original marble fireplace, the other with a Juliet balcony giving northerly views over Fitzroy, and a walk-in wardrobe (in the 1920s, this was a hidey-hole for an SP bookmaker!) The adjoining second bathroom is finished in Japanese swimming pool tiles. A wide passage has, on one side, cedar doors concealing a storage area and laundry, and on the other a screened outdoor retreat. The third bedroom, looking out over the rooftops, has a separate entrance to the courtyard. Entered from a bluestone right of way is a garage with a sunny studio above. Ideal for work from home use or as teenager accommodation, this light-filled space has a shower room and separate WC.

It is hardly surprising that the property has figured several times in Belle and other design magazines. Its extensive areas of glass, supplemented by hydronic heating, ensure year-round energy efficiency.
Agent: Nelson Alexander Pty Ltd