56 GREY ST, EAST MELBOURNE
3beds, 4 baths, 0 cars
Situated opposite the green canopy of Darling Square in the heart of East Melbourne, this wide, Victorian terrace has been thoughtfully renovated, adding a greater sense of space to its elegant proportions and period detail.
With three generous bedrooms upstairs, each serviced by a separate bathroom, the downstairs area is given over almost entirely to living space and, with a northerly aspect, is awash with light.
The area includes a formal dining room, lounge room, a contemporary open-plan kitchen and large family room that leads onto a comfortable, thoughtfully-planted courtyard. The downstairs area is completed by a powder-room, with shower, and a European laundry.
One of three adjoining terraces in Grey St, this property is on the market for the first time since it was purchased by the current owner in 1995. Property in the area is tightly held, with only parkland between the suburb and the CBD.
Former Prime Minister and Liberal Party founder Sir Robert Menzies lived in the end terrace as a child.
The property has been a family home and renovated judiciously and extended over the years.
"It always has been very social home," vendor Patricia Jones said. "We have a big living space. We hosted my husband's 60th birthday there with 120 people, all seated," she said. "It was big. We put up some canopies in the laneway. Did you know you can seat 16 people around a queen-sized bed?
Patricia's husband, Peter, was a criminal barrister, with the proximity to the city and the courts one of the factors that attracted the couple to the property.
The parks of the area and the friendly locals walking their dogs is one of the many memories Patricia will take with her. "Darling Square out front, with its beautiful leaves during change of season. It is just a kaleidoscope of colour," she says. "It is just a stroll to Fitzroy gardens and Powlett Reserve, so there are parks in all directions."
She also frequented the restaurants of the area. "We've got three fabulous Italian restaurants that are well supported by locals," she said.
While there currently is no on-site parking, two on-street permits are available from Melbourne City Council.
"There is a rear lane you could use to access parking, but we preferred to use the area as a courtyard," she says.
PRICE GUIDE: $3.8m to $4.1m
AGENT: Nelson Alexander, Fitzroy. Call Peter Stephens 0418 104 214
Darling Square out front, with its beautiful leaves during change of season. It is just a kaleidoscope of colour. There are parks in all directions
