78 St David Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065
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Intelligently designed. Impeccably finished.
- A gracious arrival is established by an impressively wide hallway, anchored by a classic period archway that immediately signals the scale and refinement of this beautifully proportioned residence.
- Expansive open-plan living and dining is bathed in natural light via thoughtfully placed clerestory windows and a striking wall of floor-to-ceiling glazing, seamlessly extending to the terrace and capturing a picturesque outlook to the iconic St Mark’s church spire.
- The bespoke kitchen is a statement in design and function, featuring custom joinery, sleek stone benchtops, premium appliances, an integrated refrigerator, breakfast bar seating and exceptional storage throughout.
- A substantial second living space, adjoining the main living area, offers a versatile retreat, ideal for parents, teenagers, or relaxed entertaining.
- Three generous, light-filled bedrooms deliver outstanding accommodation, headlined by the expansive main suite complete with a sophisticated ensuite featuring double vanity, walk-in shower, tranquil outlook, and direct access to the landscaped courtyard.
- The central bathroom is immaculately appointed, showcasing full-height tiling, excellent storage and a shower-over-bath configuration.
- A serene, landscaped rear courtyard offers a private outdoor sanctuary and leads to a detached home-office or studio retreat, enhanced by a bluestone feature wall.
- Additional highlights include a full-size laundry with extensive storage and courtyard access, hydronic heating, cooling to the living area, under-stair storage, soaring ceilings throughout, intercom, and gate access to side ROW.
- Exceptional connectivity is assured with Smith Street and Brunswick Street tram services just moments away, providing effortless access to the CBD and surrounding inner-city precincts.
- An enviable lifestyle setting places acclaimed cafes, restaurants, bars and boutique shopping within easy walking distance.
Owners Notes
OUR HOME FOR MORE THAN 18 YEARS
We originally bought this house as a project: a classic, and unusually wide (almost 7m!), inner-city terrace we intended to renovate and sell. But from the very beginning, something felt different. Even before seeing it in person, we sensed its potential. Once we stood inside it, we knew we were home - and we stayed for more than 18 years.
What drew us in then still defines Gushka today. The outlook was, and remains, exceptional. On one side, the quiet yet bold presence of the church; on the other, Fitzroy and the horizon beyond. Small picture windows along the sides of the house frame light and views in unexpected ways. While the neighbourhood has naturally built up over time and the horizon is less visible than it once was, the sense of openness and aspect remains a defining quality.
Although it is a terrace, it stands alone, with no adjoining terraces; a rare and much-loved attribute that brings privacy, light, and a feeling of independence.
The renovation was a deeply considered labour of love. We spent two years designing, planning, and working closely with a high-quality builder to create a home built to endure. It’s hard to believe it was completed 16 years ago. The project was even shortlisted as a potential candidate for Australian Grand Designs, but we chose to proceed on our own timeline rather than delay the build for filming.
The renovation retained the original footprint and heritage features while completely transforming how the house functions. What was once 27 separate spaces across three apartments was consolidated into a streamlined, flowing and flexible floorplan that supports both daily living and entertaining. Features we continue to love include the blackbutt floors, generous wide-format glazing, the rare original Australian Red Cedar staircase, which we stripped from its many layers of paint, and the subtle traces of a 1950s renovation, including the steel-framed front windows and fence.
As part of the renovation, the house received its name: Gushka (Гушка), meaning hug in Macedonian. It felt fitting: this has always been a house that holds people.
Over the years, Gushka has been a place of gathering: shared meals, birthdays, celebrations, and quiet retreats. It has been equally generous in hosting friends and family as it has been in offering privacy and calm amidst bustling Fitzroy.
Light has been one of our greatest joys here. The upstairs living spaces are filled with natural and northern light year-round, while the downstairs spaces feel contained and restful. We especially loved watching the neighbouring church softly illuminate its stained-glass windows at Easter and Christmas, as subtle yet moving seasonal rhythm.
As a small footnote in its story, Gushka even had a cameo appearance in the Australian television series Offspring.
This house has grown with us, held us, and surprised us over the years. It has been a privilege to call Gushka our home, and it is now ready to welcome new custodians to make it their own.
