Opportunity knocks: a downsizer's dream in East Melbourne

1 Opportunity Lane, East Melbourne
$1,700,000
3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 car space
Private sale
Inspect on Saturday from 1.00pm-1.30pm
Jellis Craig, Nathan Waterson,  0439 905 188

Calling all downsizers, doctors, design devotees; have we got a tasty little wedge of inner Melbourne for you – a brilliant opportunity in a superbly named lane, right on the edge of town.

Head down the cobblestones just off Albert Street. This location, with the city skyline in touching distance, Powlett Reserve across the road and major hospitals, glorious gardens and the “G” in languid strolling distance, is superb.

This is an impressively urbane affair, from its cool mix of rough-house render on the bottom to the sleek black lines of metal cladding and batons that punch through the upper section. Very sharp.

The gated entry takes you beyond the foyer and onto the smooth polished concrete floor that runs throughout the lower level.

To the left there are two bedrooms, both have storage and access to a slip of a north-facing courtyard. It’s not big, but it does give you breathing space and plenty of lovely light.

The second bedroom here has direct access to the very chic central bathroom. In here there’s a floating marble-topped vanity and glass shower, with a skylight bringing the glow; the fabulous anodised black tapware and fittings bring the flash.

Head south from here past the European laundry to a storage area with laneway access and to the garage with rollerdoor out onto the bluestones too.

Tracking up the wall along the stair are natty little display cut outs, just to bring a bit more depth and texture to the sleek feel here.

Up top the terrific contained space gets a rev from the beautiful wide tread of the oak flooring.

To the north edge there is the coolly handsome kitchen with a Calacatta marble benchtop where a right angle provides a breakfast bar. Deep, dark cabinetry looks perfect above and below. Black window frames, track lighting and trim pick up the smart theme.

Looking out to the west there’s a balcony where the metal batons provide privacy, but you still get a stand-up look at the city.

Heading back from here there’s the living/dining area – you wouldn’t call it capacious, but the superb light, air and genuine easy style make it a winning space.

An oversized black sliding door conceals the main bedroom. Again the angle cut to the rear of this building precludes cat swinging, but with a bedroom like this it hardly seems to matter. In here you get a walk-in robe with a city view and one of the best en suites we’ve seen in awhile, tucked inside a gorgeous curve of wall. Terrific.

Need to know: Highest recorded house price for East Melbourne (last 12 months) $4,615,000 for 81 Wellington Parade in March 2015. Recent sales: $1,825,000 for 70-72 Albert Street in December 2015; $2.51 million for 41 Albert Street in October 2015, and $1,825,000 for 28 Charles Street in October 2015.

Room for improvement: The space under the stair is perfect for a good-sized study area.