31 Canning Street, North Melbourne VIC 3051
-
![]()
4
-
![]()
1
‘Willowbrook’: a magnificent c1892 Victorian family home on Hotham Hill
Set within a beautiful historic streetscape behind cast iron gates, its handsome book-style façade is graced with ornate plasterwork, a lattice checkerboard verandah and gabled entrance, which reveals a wide triple-arch hallway beneath lofty decorative ceilings. Polished floorboards flow into a huge formal lounge room (or optional 5th bedroom) with a north-facing bay window enjoying parkland outlooks along with an exquisite marble fireplace, and four equally large bedrooms (3 x OFP’s) including one with its own separate entrance (ideal for a home office), all serviced by a pristine central granite bathroom with clawfoot bath and shower.
At the rear of the home, the enormous extension is drenched in natural light via a conservatory-style ceiling and a wall of windows affording gorgeous green garden views as the seasons change. At its heart is an elevated timber entertainer’s kitchen complete with quality stainless steel fixtures and extensive cabinetry. Set by an open fireplace, the impressive sized family and dining area spills onto a secluded brick paved rear yard framed by towering vine-covered walls and lush established gardens – a peaceful and private sanctuary to entertain or simply relax. Here, Donovan’s Lane provides ROW access for potential off-street parking.
Additionally, there is a separate laundry, air-conditioning/heating to all bedrooms, as well as split-system air-conditioning at the rear of the property. The perfect balance of inner-city convenience and serenity, this extraordinary home is placed in a community-minded neighbourhood within walking distance of Royal Park, Errol Street shops and cafes, CBD trams, the new Arden Station, Melbourne University, the hospital precinct and University High School (zoned).
Owners Notes
What we love about this home:
I have been you may say the "custodian" of Willowbank for 32 years - the home has been a place of calm, character and continuity. As it was built in the 1890s our role has been to maintain and preserve the beauty of the residence. The house has always felt like it carries its own quiet dignity and uniqueness and one of the things I’ve valued most is that it remains almost entirely original. We have maintained it carefully and respectfully, so its history and craftsmanship could continue to shine for future owners.
We have lived intermittently at the address over the yearsduring overseas assignments. What I’ve enjoyed most about living here is the sense of space and light. The high ceilings, the very generous rooms set with period features including the fireplaces and ornate plasterwork — all of which create an atmosphere that modern homes rarely achieve. The large family room at the rear, with its wall of glass opening to the garden, has been a favourite place to spend time and a wow factor for visitors. It’s a room that also changes beautifully with the seasons.
The location has also been wonderful. Being directly opposite parkland gives the home a peaceful outlook, and yet everything is close by — the city, Errol Street, the Queen Victoria Market, transport, cafés and community and handy public transport - its a rare combination of city convenience and serenity.
What I will miss most is the feeling of coming home to something solid, elegant and enduring. Willowbank has a way of welcoming you the moment you step inside. It has been a wonderful place to live, and I hope the next owner enjoys it as much as we have.
