66 King William Street, Fitzroy, Vic 3065

'Katamatite Terrace', a late 19th century row of five ornate houses, is a Fitzroy landmark, just a block from the heart of Brunswick Street. No. 66 is an unusually wide and attractive residence, with arched moulded windows, grilles and lacework. Situated on the corner of Fitzroy Street, it is filled with light from three directions, and a renovation some fifteen years ago has extended the already large house with sensitive reference to its historic origins.

Edged in ruby glass, the front door opens into a lobby surmounted by a wide arch above the stairs. The original hallway has been skilfully cut out to give access to finely proportioned reception and dining rooms, separated by a double marble fireplace wall; both sunny rooms have polished Baltic pine floors, deep skirtings and cornices. The hall runs past an understair powder room to a vast open-plan informal living/dining area, kitchen, and concealed laundry. The kitchen, attractively finished with grey-blue cupboards and German appliances, has been designed for large-scale entertaining. A wall of glass links indoor and outdoor entertaining areas; the courtyard, set over two levels, is attractively paved in grey and cobalt, landscaped with Virginia creeper, espaliered olives and cumquat plantings. There is car access from Fitzroy Street.

The wide staircase ascends to a flexible two-level bedroom and home office space. To the front of the house, an anteroom with a wall of storage space leads to two elegant high-ceilinged rooms. The original master bedroom, at present used as a study, opens to the north-facing balcony, and the second room facing Fitzroy Street has a walk-in wardrobe and stylish ensuite. Timber stairs lead to an intriguing surprise - a generous bedroom study or studio space built at parapet level, with sweeping views of the CBD and Fitzroy from two directions. At the southern end of the house are a family bathroom and a large irregularly-shaped bedroom, both of which look down to the courtyard.

This fine house, which epitomizes luxury inner urban living, features hydronic heating, security system, and extensive storage.
Agent: Nelson Alexander Pty Ltd.