7 Tait Street, Fitzroy North, Vic 3068

Users of the track which runs along the former railway line through North Fitzroy will be familiar with the moving poetic tributes to the late Robina Steiner painted along the wall of the renovated Victorian house at the end of quiet Tait Street. This is the work of the owner of the property, whose vision has been supplemented by that of two of Melbourne's foremost designers, architect David Faggetter and landscaper Jamie Durie. Their efforts have produced a spacious and flexibly-laid out residence which complements the surrounding parkland space.

A baltic pine hallway from the wide lace-trimmed verandah leads to a pair of rooms ideal for 'separate living' arrangements: one is an elegant living room with open fireplace, the other, separated from it by a pair of antique Chinese timber doors, is a charming bedroom with ensuite bathroom. Both rooms have double glass doors to the deep private courtyard running along the 'memorial wall' boundary. This beautiful space, the work of Jamie Durie, is planted with native vegetation and mature Robinea trees, and features sculpted walls and a tranquil fishpond.

A vast open plan living and dining area, overlooked by the kitchen, occupies the rear of the house; floored in polished timber set slightly to an angle, it has a tall coffered timber ceiling with clerestory 'picture-frame' windows to the north and east, and a bank of French doors opening to the deep north-facing garden-courtyard. A wood-burning Jetmaster fire supplements the hydronic heating, which is fitted to all rooms. The kitchen, fitted with quality appliances and ample storage and preparation spaces, angles to one side, and leads through to a sunlit informal sitting/eating area opening to the front courtyard. To the north side of the kitchen runs a wing which houses a powder room, full-size laundry, and large workshop/storage area with a double sliding door to the garden.

A wide timber staircase leads up from one side of the living area under a rhomboid-shaped glass ceiling to a bedroom/study, tiled bathroom (with boxed bath and wide shower zone) and the main bedroom. Both bedrooms are very spacious, and have full-height windows framing views through another pair of Robineas over the rear garden and the adjoining reserve. The main bedroom is a living space of its own, with study alcove, large dressing room, and a private roofed balcony with attractive views to the east.

This quiet and elegant residence is a few minutes walk from the shops and cafes of North Fitzroy, with a bike path quite literally on the doorstep.