3 Michael Street, Fitzroy North, Vic 3068

This handsome balcony terrace just around the corner from the bustling Queen's Parade café and shopping strip presents a deceptive façade; the masonry and leadlight windows date from the 1930s, but the terrace and its neighbours were built in the 1880s and 'modernised' half a century later.

The residence opens from a wide arched hallway to two elegantly proportioned formal rooms - one a living room/library, the other a dining room. Both retain Victorian details such as intricate plaster work and marble mantelpieces. Set in the centre of the ground floor is a large kitchen, superbly equipped with custom built cabinetry, a Zanussi commercial oven and a salamander. Opening from the kitchen are spacious informal living and dining rooms with underfloor heating and a Cheminees Philippe combustion heater. A wall of French windows gives a pleasant prospect over a paved vine-clad courtyard with a north-westerly aspect: a door opens to a secure double garage entered from the lane at the rear. The ground floor accommodation is completed by a newly restored laundry and powder room and a large understair storage area.

A wide staircase leads up to the bedroom level. The vast master bedroom, with sleek new ensuite bathroom, has views over North Fitzroy from the balcony. A second double bedroom is also set at the front of the house, and a smaller third bedroom is on the other side of the landing. All have built-in wardrobes. A tiled bathroom with over-bath shower is also on this level.

With antique gasoliers and other period features, extensive storage, hydronic heating and monitored alarm system, this fine property is close to the Edinburgh Gardens and public transport.
Agent: Nelson Alexander Pty Ltd