Welcome to Gertrude Street, the beating heart of Fitzroy!
This expansive, 1880’s converted warehouse was designed by renowned architect Kerstin Thompson and has been furnished with handpicked mid-century and industrial furniture and lighting. It has incredible views and amazing proximity to some of the best cafes, restaurants, bars, boutiques and creative spaces in Melbourne.
We hope you enjoy making your home in this space as you explore Fitzroy, Collingwood and Melbourne City!
The space
Our unique 2-bedroom penthouse apartment has everything you could possibly need and quite a few things you could not have imagined that will help you have a really special and memorable time.
Let’s take a tour!
To reach the Penthouse, you will ascend 69 steps on a wide, New York style walk-up staircase. Although this is a feature for many, the lack of lift obviously is a challenge for others and we want guests to be well aware of this and prepared.
Main Room
After ascending the wide stairs, on opening the door, you will find an incredible open space - the centerpiece of this apartment - the inviting and expansive main room with high ceilings, original cast iron columns and gorgeous blackbutt hardwood floors. There are views on three sides - to the Exhibition Buildings and Melbourne Museum to the West, the Dandenong Ranges to the East and into the tops of established gum trees to the North through the eight original sash windows across the front of the building, and Melbourne's city skyscape (especially lovely at night) to the south. The sunset and sunrise can be really spectacular and many times we’ve if you wake up early enough, you will see hot air balloons drifting lazily across the dawning, pink sky.
The furniture has been carefully chosen and includes midcentury and industrial furniture as well as modern touches and luxuries. The dining table easily seats 8, and two large couches and two armchairs have been arranged to allow for guests to lounge in comfort all together or retreat to sections of the space. Sink into the leather sofa in front of the 65” TV (with several streaming services available), read a book (help yourself to our extensive library of fiction and non-fiction during your stay), play a game (we have an extensive selection in the vintage wooden chest), or have a strum on the guitar or play the congas if the mood takes you.
Kitchen
Adjacent to the main room is our large, fully-equipped kitchen, with a stone bench to inspire you to prepare any meal, with all of the utensils, appliances, crockery, cutlery you would need. We have chosen high quality appliances (ASKO dishwasher, Fisher and Paykel oven and cooktop, Dualit toaster and kettle), a vintage Pavoni Espresso machine, a large fridge and our extensive pantry includes a few special extras (anyone for fondue?). As much as possible we use environmentally-friendly cleaning products and we’ve provided detailed instructions on how to use everything.
Master bedroom with walk-in robe
In the spacious master bedroom, you’ll find a custom-made floating king size bed base with a Sleeping Duck mattress, hypoallergenic pillows and doona, with luxury linen and cotton bedding. Just out the west-facing bedroom windows you’ll again see the striking dome of the Exhibition Buildings towering over the rooftops of Fitzroy. Just off the master bedroom is a generous walk-in wardrobe, which includes iron, ironing board, clothes horse and wicker picnic basket (perfect for a leisurely sprawl in the nearby Carlton Gardens!).
Second bedroom
The second bedroom has a queen bed with a luxurious Emma mattress, hypoallergenic pillows and doona and luxury linen and cotton bedding. There’s also a large laptop friendly work space with a desk and chair. The incredible Cole & Son jungle wallpaper in this room is a feature.
Please note: the two bedrooms have a lockable door between them.
Bathroom
The bathroom has dual access either from the master bedroom or the main lounge/dining room. Inside you’ll find a full-size bath and separate shower with excellent water pressure, Aesop brand hand, body and hair wash and luxurious, Egyptian cotton bath sheets and hand towels. A top quality hair dryer with diffuser is included, of course. There’s also a washer and dryer. The bathroom has a skylight that lets in beautiful natural light as well as a small window that has views out to the Exhibition buildings.
Private rooftop terrace
Walking up a flight of steps takes you to the rooftop terrace, where you'll feel on top of the world. 360 degree views provide spectacular vistas of the city, the Dandenong Ranges and the Carlton gardens. When the weather is good, it’s the perfect spot to chill out and read a book, contemplate life, drink a cocktail, catch up on work or hang out with loved ones.
Comfort and convenience
Despite being in the heart of it all, this gorgeous apartment is quiet, thanks to the double-glazed windows in the lounge room and being higher up from the action on the ground.
Keep warm or cool with easy-to-use, efficient heating and air conditioner split cycle systems in every room.
There’s a parking permit available that allows 24/7 free parking in the nearby streets, in areas designated 'permit'.
Design
The Penthouse on Gertrude is one of Kerstin Thompson's first projects. Those with an eye for architecture will enjoy seeing what she did with this special, old building.
For those with an interest in design, the furniture in the main room includes iconic Scandinavian pieces - Arne Vodder dining table with Farstrup Mobler dining chairs, huge leather Lotus sofa designed by Niels Bentsen for Niels Eilersen, and the classic and incredibly comfortable Bruno Mathsson Pernilla chair. Fans of industrial furniture will notice the converted Mole Richardson theatre light on rolling stand, the Jielde light playfully mounted on a disc brake, and the converted early 20th century German medical lamps.
The kitchen renovation was aided by the consultancy of interior designer, Kate Challis, and her team.
Guest access
Guests have access to the entire apartment and private rooftop terrace.
Other things to note
To reach the Penthouse on Gertrude, you will need to ascend 69 steps. This makes access difficult for some and impossible for others. Plans are in place to try to retrofit a lift into the building but the heritage constraints make this a challenge.
There is no access to off-street parking. There is access to a parking permit which allows one car to park in the nearby streets free of charge, in areas designated 'permit'. There is lots of parking in the area and it is safe. If this parking situation doesn't fit your needs, or you need access to more parking, please message us.
