29 Moor Street, Fitzroy, Vic 3065

This elegant late -Victorian residence, set on a 44m deep allotment, has been renovated by its present owners to optimise space and light, and to open the house to its remarkable north-facing orchard garden. The renovation has been guided by concern to balance the comforts of contemporary living against a respect for the buildings history. One of Fitzroys oldest houses, built in the 1850s, it was substantially enlarged and rebuilt the 1880s; then a grand home, it later became a lodging house accommodating up to 20 boarders. The renovation has returned it to a spacious family residence with one of Fitzroys finest private gardens.

An arched hallway draws light from a door to the rear garden and from clerestory windows above the stair. To the left of the hall is a handsomely-proportioned sitting room, with marble open fireplace, fine plasterwork and timber panelling. A second room on this level has been configured as a home office and living area, which steps down to a shelf-lined passage with an exposed bluestone wall. This leads to a large sunny kitchen, fitted with milk-painted timber cabinetry and premium European appliances, and overlooking the garden to two sides. To one end of the kitchen is a full-size laundry and drying room opening to the side courtyard. An expansive dining area at the northern end opens through French doors to a paved terrace, which leads down to the main garden area, planted with fruit trees -- including peaches, apricots, medlars and apples -- with water supplied from new tanks. Set across the rear of the block is an attractive bluestone garage, with space for two cars. Access to the narrower area of the garden is from a glass doorway beside the understair powder room.

The wide staircase, of polished red cedar and kauri pine, leads up to a bright bathroom at landing level, then to three spacious bedrooms. At the front of the house a wide anteroom opens to two bedrooms opening through tall double-glazed sash windows to the wide balcony. The third bedroom, large and sunny, has impressive views over the garden and the Fitzroy roofscape.

Features of this welcoming property, located in one of Fitzroys most attractive streets, close to Brunswick Street, the Carlton Gardens and the CBD, include mellow recycled timbers, hydronic heating, and good storage.

Agent: Nelson Alexander Pty Ltd