On The Market

A Significant 1800s Terrace Goes Under The Hammer In Clifton Hill

Ask a northside Melburnian to choose their dream city house location, and they’ll likely say somewhere between Edinburgh and Darling gardens. These leafy streets between Fitzroy North and Clifton Hill are home to some of Melbourne’s most beautiful Victorian terraces, one of which is currently for sale!

The current owners of the circa 1885 Clifton Hill terrace have lived here for 23 years, during which time they’ve added a modern extension designed by Ian Perkins of Perkins Architects. The extension has brought much-needed light into the dramatic two-storey home, making it as joyful to inhabit as it is to look at!

Written
by
Amelia Barnes
Supported by Nelson Alexander

The circa 1885 terrace at 231 Gold Street, Clifton Hill is for sale! Photography – Joel Noon

The property has been in the hands of one family for the last 23 years, who added a rear extension in 2010 designed by Ian Perkins of Perkins Architects. Photography – Joel Noon

A gorgeous formal lounge. Photography – Joel Noon

Britt Salt bespoke installation above the dining room table, which comes with the house. Photography – Joel Noon

The kitchen is uber modern and functional. Photography – Joel Noon

The three-bedroom (plus study), three-bathroom house remains cool in summer and warm in winter. Photography – Joel Noon

‘It’s a great house for a party in summer when you [open] up the huge back door and servery window hatch into the rear yard and bring the outdoors inside,’ says the owner. Photography – Joel Noon

Writer
Amelia Barnes
21st of April 2021

When people say ‘they don’t make them like this anymore’, they’re referring to houses like this – decorative Victorian terraces with ornate period detailing. This grand Clifton Hill terrace is one of the most impressive homes in the area, earning a spot on the National Trust Database

Built circa 1885, the home was originally owned by Walter Scott, who named the house after his daughters Elsie and Leigh; (hence the name ‘Elsie Leigh’ shown on the facade’s pediment beneath the balustraded parapet!).

For the last 23 years, it’s been in the hands of one family, who added a rear extension in 2009 designed by Ian Perkins of Perkins Architects.  ‘The renovations were designed to maximise light ingress and cater for a family of four,’ says the owner. 

Now, the three-bedroom (plus study), three-bathroom house remains cool in summer and warm in winter (almost unheard of in a double-storey terrace!), thanks to slab heating in the rear ground floor, and hydronic heating throughout.

‘It’s a great house for a party in summer when you [open] up the huge back door and servery window hatch into the rear yard and bring the outdoors inside,’ says the owner.

Period features remain in the original rooms including ceiling roses, a vast bay window in the sitting room, and several marble fireplaces in different designs and colours. 

The location only adds to the home’s appeal, being surrounded by parks and the many shops and public transport options on Queens Parade.

If you adore this house as much we do, be sure to head to an inspection before it goes to auction next month! 

231 Gold Street, Clifton Hill, Victoria is being sold by Arch Staver and David Sanguinedo at Nelson Alexander via auction at 11am, May 15. For more information, see the full listing

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