A study in urban chic
The Age
Saturday May 30, 2009
From its elegant facade to glass-topped cellar, this terrace is splendid, writes Lou Sweeney. PARKVILLE 155 Park Drive $1.5million-$1.7million Auction 2pm, June 13 Agent Nelson Alexander, 9347 4322 Melway 2B A6 WHEN autumn rolls into winter around Parkville one of the great Melbourne contrasts comes into relief. While the silhouettes of students trudging along in the mist of Royal Parade bend forward, weighted down by HECS and books, the residents of the city apron's grand terraces settle in for another night behind their elegant Victorian facades.These period beauties may well be a beacon to the shuffling scholars that studying hard may forge a path that leads behind the ruby leadlights.This beautiful terrace on Park Drive could easily fit into the streetscapes of Park Avenue or Park Lane. There is a real composed beauty here from the restored tuck-pointed facade right up to the magnificent rooftop terrace.Beyond the bluestone and hedge, front garden steps take you down to the semi-subterranean side entry.A marble entry foyer presents first and leads to the front formal living room where large windows give a winning view of the street from below. A gorgeous marble fireplace and airy dimensions give the room an easy class.On the left side of the entry is a magnificent powder room decked out in more cool marble.Straight ahead, past the stairs, you hit the dining room illuminated by light flooding in from the north-westerly back and a large picture window looks over the side courtyard.Stepping down to the side you come into the perfectly configured kitchen. You'd probably first take admiring note of the charcoal stone benches, crisp white cabinets and top-notch appliances if it weren't for the clear glass square set in the limestone floor. This is, in fact, the cellar door and lit from below you can see all 700-odd bottles of wine ageing peacefully.Sliding panes of glass open north and west to a courtyard where an angular water feature sees columns of water slide down the copper-coloured surface.Beyond is plenty of space for entertaining among the fragrant framing garden that leads to a roller door right-of-way.Inside and upstairs, the classic Victorian mid-hall split presents on the landing. To the eastern front are two fine bedrooms with built-in wardrobes and the front street-facing suite accesses the lacework balcony.A chic bathroom boasts Villeroy & Boch toilets and basins, marble flooring and a large glass shower.At the end of this level is a study or third bedroom with views over the courtyard. A door to the north leads to the external stairs that wind to a rooftop deck with views of the city skyline and landmarks in every direction.
© 2009 The Age
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