The Stables: renovated 1880s home in charming Carlton North (near Unimelb)

Description

This two-story self-contained dwelling, with two large bedrooms and two bathrooms, is at the rear of a Victorian-era house and itself dates back to 1880, when it served as a stables. Now fully renovated, it consists of an open plan kitchen/dining/living area downstairs with bedrooms above. The kitchen is small but well-equipped with a full-size fridge, a full-size oven, gas burner stove-top, dish washer and a microwave. A substantial dresser provides bench space and ample storage, and can be made to serve as a kitchen island. The bathroom has a claw-foot bath and a telephone shower with a wall fitting. An alcove separates the bathroom from the living area and houses a generous cupboard. The bedrooms upstairs front onto a full-length balcony, shielded from the neighbours by bamboo. The larger room, with Queen-sized bed and built-in robes, is used by the owners as the main bedroom. The smaller currently has single beds for two children (or guests). For long-term tenants, a double bed can be substituted on request. This second room has an ensuite bathroom and a large dressing room. A washing machine and tub are tucked into one corner of the dressing room. The lounge area downstairs has generous seating for the enjoyment of the smart TV or alternatively of the many books which for want of room elsewhere have been left in the bookcases for the diversion of guests. Sliding doors lead from the lounge outdoors to a pleasant grassy area with a lemon tree, for the lemons, and an ornamental pear tree, for the shade. On-site parking is possible. The main house is on Canning Street but there is a separate address in Earl Street for The Stables, and letter box to match. Earl Street is a small, quiet residential street that leads up and around to Rathdowne Village and Curtain Park. The neighbourhood is charming and popular with Melbournians, offering ample opportunities for exercise, shopping, and eating out, either in the Village or, a little further away, in Lygon Street, Carlton. Edinburgh Gardens, one of Melbourne's loveliest parks, is a short walk away. The city itself is not far distant. Half an hour's stroll along pleasant avenues lined with heritage houses, will get you to the city's edge. A bike lane along Canning Street is one of the most popular cycling routes on the north side of the city. The location is convenient for anyone visiting the University of Melbourne and its associated hospitals, or RMIT. The main house, fully separate apart from a shared wall (the lower bathroom) is likely to be occupied by the owners (retired academics).