178 Fenwick Street, Carlton North

Fenwick Street has been one of Carlton North's most storied addresses since the 1876 North Carlton government subdivision, the deliberate and affordable parcels that gave rise to the dense, characterful Boom-era terraces that define this Heritage Overlay precinct today. Barkly Cottage is one of them: a classic single-fronted Victorian terrace, built in the dark Hawthorn brick of the era, its ornate iron lacework verandah and covered porch as intact and proud as the day they were crafted.

Step inside and the period detail only deepens. High ceilings and generous proportions carry through a well-resolved two-bedroom layout, where the original heritage bones have been thoughtfully complemented rather than obscured. The front bedroom retains a handsome original timber fireplace mantel, the kind of feature that defines a room. Both bedrooms offer built-in robes and plush carpet underfoot, and are serviced by a characterful bathroom with blue wainscoting, a separate shower, WC and vanity.

At the rear, the home opens into a warm kitchen and meals area centred around sage-green cabinetry, glass-fronted upper cabinets, a butler sink, dark benchtops and warm timber floors. A freestanding oven and cooktop and direct access to the rear complete the picture, along with a separate laundry with external access.

Outside, the private courtyard delivers more atmosphere than its footprint suggests. String lights overhead, a rear gate, and that unmistakable inner-north feeling of being surrounded by the rooftops and chimneys of a neighbourhood with genuine history.

The location is one of Carlton North's best. Lygon Street is around the corner, with trams (routes 1 and 6) straight into the CBD and a renowned dining and cafe strip at your doorstep. Rathdowne Village is a short stroll, offering one of the city's great neighbourhood strips with independent cafes, delis, wine bars and some seriously good local pubs. Carlton Baths is nearby for a swim or a workout. Princes Park and Royal Park are close for weekend runs and lazy afternoons, and the University of Melbourne is minutes away. Zoned for Carlton North Primary and Princes Hill Primary Schools.

We donate a portion of our fee from every property transaction to the Woodards Foundation to support people experiencing homelessness, family violence and social isolation.