Cyndi Dawes long had her eye on this particular Fitzroy North house for its creek views, deep block with wonderful neighbouring foliage, and a great northerly aspect. She already lived down the street, but when the property eventually came up for sale in 2013, Cyndi knew she had to buy it.
‘I was confident I could design and build something amazing,’ she says.
Cyndi was right. With the expertise of architect Stuart Harrison from Harrison and White and interior design Jessica Nixon from Okologi, the rundown house was transformed into the beautiful home it is today.
Most impressive is how the updated home opens to the outdoors. This has been achieved via two leafy courtyards designed by Amanda Oliver Gardens – one following the living room, and a larger, leafy one between the kitchen and home office – joined by a hallway lined with bookshelves.
‘The intention was that physical layouts, interiors and garden spaces all worked together to create an urban oasis,’ Cyndi says. ‘I adore my garden and the peace, tranquility, plus connection to nature it brings into the home.’
A bedroom with an en suite and balcony is located above this home office (on its own level with prime garden views), offering a quiet space for guests to retreat. Cyndi calls this the ‘treetops bedroom.’ ‘Looking out at the Merri Creek and foliage in the window makes it feel like I am miles away from the city,’ she says.
Two additional bedrooms with soaring ceilings and an adorned fireplace are in the front portion of the home behind the restored period facade.
Walk less than five minutes in either direction from this house and you’ll reach Merri Creek, or the trams and cafes on St Georges Road.
‘This street is so wonderful – near to the inner-city and close to nature!. Friendly neighbours and an abundance of fellow dog lovers to chat with,’ Cyndi says.
Post 2020, Cyndi has decided to move even closer to nature where she’ll tackle a new renovation, meaning this house is now for sale. The delightful three-bedroom (plus home office), two-bathroom property heads to auction early next month!
251 Holden Street, Fitzroy North, Victoria is being sold by Peter Stephens and Isabelle McEwan Marion at Nelson Alexander via auction at 11am, May 8. For more information, see the full listing.
