105 Grattan Street, Carlton VIC 3053

The house has an interesting history. It was built in the late 1800’s and purchased in 1905 by Archbishop Carr, to be used as a receiving home for women and girls without support during the last stages of pregnancy, so they could have care and a safe, private place to stay. He asked Mary MacKillop – Australia’s first Saint – and her sister Annie – to manage it. The Sisters of St Joseph arrived in mid-1906 and before the end of the year they were caring for ‘waiting mothers’. Women could stay until they found a live-in situation or could return to family. The service was relocated in the mid-1980’s, and the property was released for sale by the Catholic Church.

We have lived in the house for over 20 years and have raised two children here. When they were small the children loved the surrounding parks – Lincoln Square two blocks west, Argyle Square at the end of Grattan Place, and of course Carlton Gardens and Exhibition Gardens at the end of Grattan Street. Now that they have grown, they still love living here because of the central location with regard to meeting friends and going out.

We designed the interior of the house to guarantee as much natural light as possible, and also to ensure that every available space is used to the best advantage, whilst still being true to the historic integrity of the property. An under-stair cellar and an attic provide flexible storage solutions. There is also an in-floor safe.

The house is surprisingly quiet inside, thanks to double glazing and door seals. We have felt very safe living here – there have been no episodes of graffiti, vandalism or burglary. The Body Corporate has always been quick to act if there has been any problem with the gas, hydronic heaters, or carpark gates. The exterior of the house including the fence are shortly to be repainted and this will be paid for by the Body Corporate.

Every nesting season we have enjoyed watching the grass parrots and lorikeets nest in the trees outside the house.

The house is in a fantastic location for all services – you can walk to the city, or there is a tram every minute at peak hour heading into the CBD. Vic Market is walkable, or a couple of stops on the tram. The delights of Lygon St are at your doorstep. Woolworths is within walking distance, as is the post office, banks, Brunetti’s and Cinema Nova (cheap tix Mondays!). It is very easy accessing the Monash – straight down Exhibition Street, the Eastern Freeway – straight down Alexandra Parade, and you can reach the airport in 20 minutes via the Tullamarine Freeway.

We have loved living in this fantastic property in its wonderful location. Now it’s time for another owner to reap the rewards offered.