190 George Street, East Melbourne

In upmarket East Melbourne, a stone's throw from the Fitzroy Gardens, Murnell is a rare and exclusive home. Rare, because among the classic Victorian homes lining the streets of the genteel suburb, Murnell stands out as an Art Nouveau residence. Carved into the timber fretwork of its grand front rooms with their pressed metal ceilings and stained glass windows, are unique silhouetted images of kookaburras. Rare too, because since it was built in 1909, Murnell has only had six owners. Those owners have respected the four bedroom home's period features including original fireplaces, timber mantels, extensive leadlight and Baltic pine floorboards, while sympathetically updating it, adding a conservatory and installing hydronic heating. The formal living room with bay window overlooks George Street, while the formal dining room and kitchen open to the conservatory to capture the northern light. Upstairs the expansive main bedroom steps down to a large tiled ensuite. Two more bedrooms with open fireplaces and balconies to George Street, share a central bathroom, while at the rear, the fourth bedroom/retreat opens to a north-facing balcony with green outlooks. East Melbourne was always a sought-after address for members of Parliament, government officials and city and professional people who appreciated living close to their workplaces, offices and shops on the other side of the Fitzroy Gardens. Murnell is especially rare because, according to the original 1860s subdivision of the block bordered by George, Clarendon and Hotham streets, it shouldn't even exist. That block was reserved for the proposed Anglican Cathedral of Melbourne. When the Cathedral was built on the corner of Swanston and Flinders Streets, the smaller Holy Trinity Church was built instead. Holy Trinity burnt down in 1905, the site was subdivided and blocks sold off around 1908. Enter Miss Elizabeth Clarke, a member of Victoria's richest family at the turn of the 20th century. Elizabeth bought the land and commissioned architect C.A. Cooper to design her perfect Art Nouveau home. After Elizabeth's death, Murnell was bought by the Roche family who kept it until 1953 when it was purchased by a branch of the Returned Soldiers Sailors and Airmens Imperial League (forerunner of the RSL), which locked up the top floor and used the two large downstairs rooms as a library and meeting room. Sold three more times, once this century, this rare survivor is now ready for its next owners to enjoy.