24 March 2025
This landmark in Johnston Street Fitzroy off Brunswick Street was built in 1887 as Dr Samuel Peacock’s house and surgery – and he certainly made a statement ! Not only three storeys, but topped by a mansard roof, complete with lookout, designed by Swedish born Olaff Nicholson.
The Dr left for a new place in East Melbourne he built in 1901 (last pic), becoming the centre of an abortion death scandal in 1911. By then Fitzroy was getting less prestigious, and by the 1920s his old house was a coffee palace (ie a small hotel). Then it was offices for two hardware firms, from the 1950s Rusdell Birrell & Co, their faded sign still visible.
By 1979 it was described as missing the cast iron balustrading and top verandah roof, since reinstated, but not as elaborate as the original judging by the old postcard. A 2020 rent ad shows the inside of the mansard ! Fab, but a long way up. And a noisy bar downstairs. My pics 2014, info Peter Barrett via Facebook.
Storey of Melbourne 