190 George Street

East Melbourne VIC 3002

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.