496 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy North, Vic 3068

The appeal of this solid brick Edwardian residence has been enhanced by a simple but very effective renovation undertaken in the 1970s by the well-known architect Andrew Reed. The effect has been to maximise natural light by opening the house to the outdoors, and to create larger than expected living spaces under the roofline of the existing building.

With a lace-trimmed verandah and slate roof, the house is immediately attractive. A high-ceilinged lobby opens to two double bedrooms (one with bay window and open fireplace), and to a spacious lounge room with open fireplace and a tall central skylight. A third bedroom with built in wardrobes and a window to a light well runs to one side of the living room, which looks through a cutout wall to a well-proportioned informal living and dining area.

A pleasant kitchen, finished in timber with elevated cupboards, is open on one side to the living/dining room, and adjoins to a full-size laundry. The rear section of the house has angled Baltic pine ceilings, which follow the roofline of the verandah, entered by glass doors from both the kitchen and the living room. This covered outdoor living space flows to a spacious paved and landscaped courtyard, with mature plantings, a fountain and pool. A workshop/storage area set to one side has its own small verandah.

With polished Baltic floors, leadlighting and reverse cycle airconditioning, this inviting family home is within a few minutes walk of the Edinburgh Gardens and Rathdowne Village.
Agent: Nelson Alexander Pty Ltd.