23 McKean Street, Fitzroy North, Vic 3068

This attractive freestanding red brick residence is superbly located in one of North Fitzroy's finest streets, just around the corner from the Edinburgh Gardens and close to the Queens Parade shopping strip and tram. Built circa 1910, it shows strong late Victorian influences - tuckpointing, and decorative cast iron - combined with art nouveau elements such as the plaster ceiling and waratah leadlighting in the handsome front bedroom overlooking the verandah. This much-loved property, inhabited for sixty years by one family, has been thoughtfully extended by the present owners under the supervision of architect Terry Nott. Four bedrooms run off a sunny Baltic-floored hallway; one of these, with a wide 40s style metal-framed window opening to the side, might be used as a dining room. There are three working open fireplaces, two original, with decorative timber overmantels. In this older part of the house are a double-section bathroom (with lab-style basin and laundry in one section) and a separate toilet with basin. At the rear, a family-size timber-finished kitchen overlooks a sunny north-facing living area with a tall gabled ceiling. The kitchen has been thoughtfully planned, with a shut-away pantry and preparation area, benches set at different heights for kneading and chopping, and a new stove. French doors and a bay-window provide attractive views over the paved courtyard and the trees to the rear. A combustion heater in one corner is supplemented by a gas wall furnace. At the rear of the irregular block is a substantial outbuilding which might be rebuilt (STCA) to provide studio space or separate teenage living quarters. There is potential car access from Jamieson Street. This inviting property, with flexible floorplan, has been re-roofed, replumbed, and rewired. Dont miss it!
Agent: Nelson Alexander Pty Ltd