20 Carlton Street, Carlton, Vic 3053

The architectural importance of this 1867 Italianate residence and its neighbour are recognised by their listing in the World Heritage Environs Area plan for Carlton. Number 20 has been elegantly renovated by its present owners to combine rich period detail with the amenities of contemporary living. From the triple-arched verandah, a wide hallway with polished Baltic floors looks through to the trees in the back garden. At the front of the house, an elegant formal sitting room with fine open fireplace and decorative plasterwork has views over the Carlton Gardens. The well-proportioned dining room, with a broad cedar staircase to the upper level set to one side, has a gas fire built into a delicately crafted marble fireplace, surmounted by a matching gilt-framed mirror.

The kitchen has been thoughtfully rebuilt several steps up from the dining room, in order to attract northern light and to maximise the view over the garden. Its features include silky oak timber finishes, granite benchtops, premium appliances and an uplit display cabinet. From the dining room, stairs lead down to a welcoming terra cotta floored sunroom/studio with a wall of doors to the courtyard garden, and access to a cellar.

A second large cellar space is entered from beneath the staircase to the bedroom level of the house - unusually, the wide staircase with cedar balusters was built to be open to the dining room. A mid-level landing leads to a powder room with period style fittings.

At the front of the house is the handsome main bedroom, complete with open fireplace. Next to it is the bathroom, featured in a recent Homes supplement; it is a small masterpiece of design, with timber finishes similar to those of the kitchen, marble floor, and separate bath and shower. At the northern end of the upper level a sunny double bedroom with built-in wardrobes looks out over the treetops of Murchison Square. Adjoining it is a large dressing room/study with built-in storage; this could readily be used as a third bedroom.

With full-size laundry, generous storage spaces, and reverse-cycle airconditioning, this superb historic property is within easy strolling distance of the CBD, Melbourne Museum and Lygon Street.
Agent: Nelson Alexander Pty Ltd