Ruth and Tim have been living at this iconic Gore street residence for the last four years, and have been in Fitzroy for the last 15. ‘We thought this would be our forever home, but it’s full now, and the family is likely to keep expanding!’ Ruth and Tim explain. Located a stone’s throw from Gertrude and Brunswick streets, this ‘uncompromised family home’ is truly a rare gem.

Originally built between 1860-1870, this historic neighbourhood home has lived many lives. At first a single residence, it was later converted into a boarding house, and then used to accommodate Greek migrants upon first arrival in Melbourne in the 1950s and 60s. ‘The dining room is huge and was used by these migrants and their families for gatherings’, the couple tell, ‘amazingly, one of Tim’s colleague’s parents were amongst the people who stayed in the house and were actually married in it!’ Somewhat neglected over the next 30 years, the home was renovated and almost fully rebuilt in 2010 – save for that fabulous facade. Following the renovation the home was used as a set in the first season of Offspring. That’s got to be the most ‘quintessentially Fitzroy’ story of all time!

With three bedrooms, two bathrooms and wide, open living spaces, the house in oriented largely towards the garden and outdoor areas along the northern boundary. A 16-metre salt water heated lap pool (YES PEOPLE, IN THE MIDDLE OF FITZROY!) runs alongside the front length of the house, while a chicken run makes use of otherwise wasted space down the south side. A native garden and veggie boxes delight passers-by from the street, and in summer the family feast on ‘apricots, plums, nectarines, peaches, figs, lemons, and quinces – all from [their] own little orchard next to the city.’

View the full property listing for this incredible home at Nelson Alexander!