859 Brunswick Street North, Fitzroy North VIC 3068

Federation elegance meets modern Family living in prized address

Positioned on one of Fitzroy North’s most coveted streets, this magnificent double-fronted Federation residence seamlessly combines timeless period charm with exceptional family flexibility and generous accommodation. Boasting an immaculate brick façade adorned with intricate cast-iron lacework and tessellated tiling, this remarkable opportunity captures the elegance of its era while embracing contemporary updates for modern living.

Step through the grand arched hallway with warm timber flooring, where stunning leadlight windows and soaring ceilings set the tone for a home that is as inviting as it is sophisticated. The front room, currently styled as a library or study, exudes character with original fireplace and custom-built shelving, with flexibility to serve as a fifth bedroom. Each of the four additional bedrooms feature original fireplaces, the master enjoying a spacious, sun-soaked ensuite with serene courtyard garden views and an updated central bathroom with integrated laundry, underfloor heating and shower-over-bath ensures practicality for family living.

At the heart of the home, a bright and functional kitchen with abundant storage flows effortlessly into the expansive living area where custom bookshelves, highlight windows, a cosy gas fireplace and soaring ceilings create a dramatic and welcoming space, perfect for family gatherings or quiet evenings. Outside, a tranquil European-inspired alfresco area, framed by lush established greenery, offers an idyllic retreat for entertaining or relaxing and a rear carport via Moss Street provides secure off-street parking. Add to this, hydronic heating, evaporative cooling and split system, plus a versatile upper-level retreat, ideal as a home office, playroom, or teenagers’ hideaway.

Perfectly positioned within Brunswick Street North’s “quiet end”, this exceptional residence enjoys unparalleled access to Fitzroy North’s vibrant lifestyle, stroll to eclectic shopping, cafes, esteemed schools, serene parklands, walking/cycling trails and convenient city-bound transport options. Combining period elegance with modern family functionality, move quickly to secure this rare family offering in a blue-chip location to match.

Statement of Information

Owners Notes

The house was built in 1916 on a 349m2 block by Percival and Mary Sparks. At that time, you chose a design for your house from a pattern book, and you can see there are some matching houses around the neighbourhood. I think the builder may have had a hand in Saint Brigid’s down the road, as one of the red brick buildings has some very similar features.

Mr Sparks ran a garage, and I was told that he used to park a Rolls Royce in the backyard. There was a very large shed across the entire rear of the property when our family came here, which lends some credence. The Sparks had two daughters, Betty and Lesley. Betty stayed in Melbourne, working as a milliner at at Myer, and was involved in costume design. Lesley joined the American foreign service. I’m not sure how Lesley came to do that, but the house had many mementoes from countries where she had lived.

We bought the house from Lesley in 1993. At that time, there was a weatherboard extension in poor condition. The kitchen featured a magnificent gas stove which sadly leaked gas, and unfortunately there was no running water to cook with. The toilet had been brought inside to the verandah (although there was still and old dunny at the rear of the block). We took the back off the house and added the extension you now see. It is A-frame partly because at that time, heritage protections meant you were not allowed to have an extension that was visible from the street.

Brunswick Street North has had some lovely occupants over the years, including post-war migrants from Italy, and people who grew up and spent decades here. Many women worked locally in the Cadet shoe factory. Peter, who grew up here as one of seven children in a single fronted terrace, said the boys slept on the enclosed verandah, while his sisters shared a bedroom. As a child he said you could hear the lions roaring at the zoo in the evening- it wasn’t so built up or busy then, and the sound carried from Parkville.

In the thirty-one years our family has been here, the house has had various changes. Maggie Edmond has been the architect most involved, though Anne Clisby advised on the original extension. The big bookshelf and hydronic heating were done in about 2004, with the bookshelf modeled off ones designed for Readings in Port Melbourne. The carport and ensuite were built in about 2008, and the garden was further developed. Some changes were made to the main living area in about 2015, including the addition of the center fireplace and under stair shelving. The family bathroom was refreshed during covid.

It's been a great family house for us. The kids have grown up though, and it feels like time for a new family to enjoy the house and garden.

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Price Guide

Auction $2,800,000 - $3,000,000

Auction Date