Elegance all in a row
The Age
Saturday August 15, 2009
This terrace has been returned to its Victorian splendour, writes Lou Sweeney. WEST MELBOURNE 96 Roden Street $1.2 million-$1.3 million Auction 11am, August 29 Agent WB Simpson & Son, 9328 1213 Melway 2A H12SOME people don't have West Melbourne on their real estate radar. North Melbourne, sure; Flemington gets a tick; and neighbouring Docklands has a certain newly minted appeal.West Melbourne, however, has always seemed resolutely industrial €“ a part of the city apron that got its hands dirty. Yet while light industry is still evident, you'll also find pleasing reminders of the past.Witness Roden Street and its beautiful row of terraces that sit elegantly between Spencer and Victoria streets. No. 96, in particular, is a gem. Such an uncommonly wide street frontage generally means the home is of excellent interior proportions and that is the glorious case at this address. Nearing triple frontage with arched windows and an iron lace-trimmed balcony, the house deserves the grand appellation. It has a stately yet composed look, with a fine, sympathetic restoration, which has produced a noteworthy home.Inside, a wide hallway takes the eye to a striking stair and trompe-l'oeil, which gives a splendid pastoral flavour to an entry that also boasts excellent authentic colours.Across the way is a little more classic Victorian splendour. The formal lounge on the left of the hall is a space that brings the promise of that wide street frontage into striking reality. Two large arched windows front a room that boasts the handsome, sober tones of a grey marble fireplace, large ceiling rose and a room-spanning arc that separates this formal space from the next.Behind is the dining room with another fireplace and a dramatic magenta wall.Further along the hallway, the floorboards give way to tiling that announces the more modern section of the home. A powder room sits snugly beyond the stair to the right before the lovely kitchen appears with its granite bench and ample storage space.In front, a meals area overlooks the pretty side courtyard. A bright, almost conservatory-like space at the back with surrounding windows could be a family room, sun lounge or retreat. The languid feel is a lovely counterpoint to the period finery of the front section.Outside, another paved courtyard with creepers and greenery links to the side and also leads to the double garage.Upstairs is the traditional split on the landing. To the north, a terrific study makes use of what is essentially a wide hallway. Adjacent is a large bedroom.Turning around and heading south, there is a bathroom with a timber vanity, twin basins and a roomy shower. Another bedroom has excellent dimensions and a fireplace before the lovely main suite and neighbouring dressing room, which both access the lacework balcony and offer views of the city's tower-tops.
© 2009 The Age
Share This