It’s small in size, but there’s a lot to love about this studio apartment in Fitzroy.
Bookkeeper Kelly Cloake bought the one-bedroom, one-bathroom home at 14/41 Napier Street in 2019 after admiring the brick building’s ’60s charm.
‘There are three similar buildings in Fitzroy with these gorgeous brick archways, two on Napier Street and one on George St, all just south of Gertrude Street,’ Kelly says.
The sweeping arches give the space ‘so much character’, in addition serving a functional purpose, separating the bedroom from the open-plan living space. High ceilings, ample natural light, and new timber joinery (installed by the previous owner) were other drawcards that caught Kelly’s eye.
She made the most of the simple interiors, bringing colour into the apartment through indoor plants, vintage furniture, and a playful collection of art. The white walls were the perfect backdrop for her eclectic styling, and Kelly says the buyer will have no trouble putting their own spin on the thoughtfully designed studio.
‘I also changed all the light fixtures, added a ceiling fan, upgraded the stovetop to induction and put a full-size oven in,’ she adds.
‘Living in such a small space means you must be very mindful of what you bring in. I enjoyed the challenge of creating a beautiful home on a small scale.’
But ultimately, what Kelly is going to miss most is the home’s ‘amazing’ location, which she says is ‘one of the best in Melbourne’.
‘It’s just a few meters from Gertrude Street, and very close to both Smith and Brunswick Streets, you couldn’t ask for a better spot. For such a lively location, the apartment is at the back of the building and quiet.’
The apartment is an ideal little sanctuary for anyone who wants to live the ultimate inner-city lifestyle — whether it’s a first-home buyer drawn to the $395,000 price tag, or someone looking for a trendy base minutes from the CBD. It’s also one of the cheapest homes currently on the market in Fitzroy, where the median price for one-bedroom units is hovering around $510,000 according to Domain.
‘I hope the new owner loves it as much as I did,’ Kelly says.
14/41 Napier Street, Fitzroy is listed for private sale with Nelson Alexander Fitzroy.
