From the Edwardian facade to the thoughtful interiors, there’s a lot to love about the Fitzroy North family home of Dan Gayfer, Leah Hyland and their two kids, Clementine (8) and Goldie (4).
The couple came across it in 2009 after unsuccessfully bidding on a few homes in Richmond and decided to try their luck in Fitzroy North – an area that was ‘unknown’ to them at the time. It didn’t take long for them to find the humble Edwardian at 58 Holden Street which they purchased as their first home before later renovating it in 2015.
‘As Dan has his own design studio, Dan Gayfer Design, he designed the house himself including all architectural, interior and exterior elements,’ Leah says. And other than the front two rooms of the original brick residence, the rest of the three-bedroom house was all re-built as new!
This allowed Dan to make the most of the block’s 154sq m footprint, creating built-in timber furniture and benches throughout. The ground floor features a playful, blue-tiled bathroom, alongside a new open-plan dining, kitchen and living area, with glass doors that open to a central courtyard.
Upstairs, you’ll find the main bedroom and a pastel pink ensuite, in addition to second living space and rooftop terrace – two elements the family is especially sad to say goodbye to as they list their home of 14 years.
‘The skylights overhead and glazing to the north ensures that the retreat is constantly drowned in natural light,’ Dan adds. ‘During the warmer months, especially later in the afternoon, we spend a lot of time lounging on the rooftop terrace having a wine or beer and chat.’
‘It is actually quite surreal as you are literally surrounded by adjacent rooftops and tree canopies which surprisingly provide complete privacy. A bar fridge integrated into the tiled planter on the terrace is the icing on the cake so to speak!’
The family say the location has been another highlight of living in the home. Being within walking distance to both Fitzroy North Village, Lygon Street in Brunswick East has given them access to some of the inner-city’s best playgrounds, parks, restaurants, bars and ice cream shops.
Dan’s now gearing up for the ‘challenge’ of designing a new family home for the next stage in their lives. But safe to say whoever buys their current abode will be one lucky owner!
58 Holden Street, Fitzroy North is listed for sale with Charlie Barham from Nelson Alexander Carlton North and will go to auction on Saturday April 15 at 10:30am.
