The incredible rooftop garden of Mark Boldiston in Flinders Lane, Melbourne CBD.  Outdoor lamp sourced from Stockroom in Kyneton.

More fabulous rooftop

View across the lane to the Nicholas Building and Federation Square beyond

I very rarely (if ever) begin a home tour with shots of the garden.  Usually a bit of greenery / foliage pops up at the very end of the post, if at all.  But I'm sure you'll agree that in this case, the incredible rooftop oasis attached to this amazing Flinders Lane apartment really steals the show!

Mark Boldiston (also known as 'Lord Coconut' for reasons I will explain momentarily) lives in this fabulous 3-bedroom city pad with his partner Tamara.  The pair have been here for 5 years, and other than painting and wallpapering, the apartment is in original condition - with the exception of the rooftop, which was landscaped and overhauled in late 2009 ('thanks Greenbits & Fitzroy Nursery' says Mark!)

Mark has quirky creative eye, and had filled his home with many eclectic finds.  (Lucky Tamara gives him free reign in this department!).  When asked if he has any favourite acquisitions, it's not surprising he struggles to narrow down the list!  The John Bracks print in main bedroom is a favourite - a 40th birthday present from family & friends.   The Ghostpatrol originals in the second bedroom also rate a mention - Mark is a keen supporter of local artists and designers, and commissioned these when Ghostpatrol was just starting out.  Then there's the recycled cardboard sideboard/tv stand by local architect /designer Toby Horrocks of Freefold Furniture.  AND the outdoor lamp on the rooftop from Stockroom in Kyneton - 'a birthday present from my lovely wife' says Mark.

But really, the most incredible thing about this home is that it truly is an oasis in the middle of the city - especially with that AMAZING rooftop.  You can peer into the windows of the Nicholas building, and even see Federation Square from here!  And whilst CBD living isn't for everyone, Mark makes a strong case for city living - when asked why he loves living in the CBD, he's full of enthusiasm! 'We're in the middle of the city action when you walk out the front door, but far enough removed from the hustle and bustle when we take the elevator up to our home.  We're less than five minutes from work (no commute!!!!!!). Everything is on our doorstep - food, fashion, theatre, music, life with some of the biggest backyards in the world a short stroll away (Royal Botanic Gardens)'.

I'm sold.  But only if I can have your apartment Mark!

AND NOW a little note about Lord Coconut.  Lord Coconut is Mark's friendly alter-ego - purveyor of stunning handcrafted jewellery for the stylish Melbourne gentleman!  Mark is SUPER passionate about his new shop, which just opened last week!  As with all the best finds in the CBD, Lord Coconut is secreted away from street view... it's in Carlow House on Flinders Lane (just a skip and a jump from Mark's apartment).  Lord Coconut is well worth a look for unique handcrafted jewellery, cufflinks and objets d'art for the discerning man in your life - many brilliant local designers are represented.   I will dedicate a proper post to the store at some point soon, but in the meantime DO CHECK IT OUT online and in person! (Have included a couple of sneaky pics of the shop at the bottom of this post!)

Lord Coconut
Suite 3, Level 4
Carlow House
289 Flinders Lane
Melbourne 3000

Opening Hours
Mon -  by appointment
Tues to Friday - 11.00am - 6.00pm
Sat - 11.00am - 3.00pm
Sun - by appointment

Loungeroom - recycled cardboard sideboard/tv stand by local architect / designer Toby Horrocks of Freefold Furniture. Photograph on wall - 'Tribute to Magritte' by Jeremy Parks.  Coffee table by Tomek Archer, CUTE melting icecream sculpture bought in Japan.

Top left - Volker Haug light,  top right - 'Tribute to Magritte' by jeremy Park from Metro 5 gallery, bottom left - 'Campfire Table' by Tomek Archer from Anibou, rug inspired by John Coburn print, bottom right - Grannie's armchairs which have been passed down through at least 3 other siblings.

Kitchen details - including Cat Rabbit handmade stuffed toy!

Dining room details - artwork as follows - Top left - Ghostpatrol, eagle - Hood by Bruce Armstrong from Australian Print Workshop, under the eagle - Artist and Muse (Rembrandt) artwork by Gary Sheead from Port Jackson Press.  Long skinny piece - from Darwin.  Top right print - piece from Carcassonne, France.  Bottom right - Nude in the Garden by John Coburn from Australian Print Workshop.

Oversized lolly sculptures by local artist Katie Jacobs

Large photo in downstairs hallway - Mother Nature by Joseph Flynn, from Brood Box.  Smaller artwork by David Bromley.

Artwork in second bedroom by Ghostpatrol - also loving the simple white polka dots falling like snow down the taupe painted wall!  (They're just white stickers!)

Study - custom designed chair from Shoobra Furniture

Study details - bottom right - Worried by the Storm by Jeff Raglus, Industrial letter from France.

Master bedroom.  Mark's favourite artwork hangs above the bed -  Reclining Nude II by John Brack.

Reclining Nude II by John Brack., angel purchased when Mark was 19 ('a long time ago' he says!)

Lord Coconut showroom in Carlow House!  Beautiful work Mark!