Architects move 100m to restore historic cottage

David Nicholson’s friend told him he was angry to sell his Fitzroy home and bought it in Collingwood more than a decade ago.

But Robert Nichol & Sons’ chief architect said the difference between real estate prices in the two suburbs at the time meant he could only move at 100m to reduce the amount to get a larger home.

His bold move has just been verified, according to PropTrack’s data, as the property market in Melbourne increased the value of a typical home in Collingwood by about $40,000 (3%), surged to nearly $1.285 billion between April and June 2025 and the first three months.

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Collingwood is now closing the gap with Fitzroy, where $20,000 (1%) increases that figure to about $1.558 million.

Mr. Nicholson, with his own renovation and restoration and by business partner and architect Brett Robertson, went a step further.

Their efforts combine timber huts from the 1850s era, another one dating from the 1920s, dating from the three-bedroom house at 39-41 Oxford Street.

Although it took a lot of work to change it, the results were worth it.

“This is probably another reason people think I’m angry from a nice house in Fitzroy to a dump in Collingwood,” Nicholson said.

Nelson Alexander’s Rick Daniel just sold the home for $2.59 million.

The property still has the Crisp Cottage period look intact, but now has an additional level and a roof terrace for Melbourne CBD views, a powder room and pergola.

At home, the kitchen, dining and main living areas are located on the first floor.

“We put the first floor of our life on the first floor because in the inner city, one of the only ways to get into your home is to go up the level,” Nicholson said.

“That way, we can get the skylight from the east, west and north, and it’s beautiful.”

Other features include sloping ceilings, exposed beams, Danish slow-burning fireplaces, and stair railings, custom steel-connected steel pipe engineering with sculptor Fredrick White.

Downstairs, the open second living room opens to the tree-lined backyard, while the master bedroom features a full-height wardrobe and ensuite.

And have a second front door that simply rents a part of the home as a short-term rental accommodation, which is a convenient way to help pay off your mortgage.

Living close to the city means Mr. Nicholson doesn’t need a car, although the house has secure parking spaces.

“Collingwood is certainly a suburb, you can choose this lifestyle and say, ‘Well, I’m going to save $40,000 to $50,000 a year in cars and put it where I’m going to live,” he said.

Although he loves to bring pet dogs, Jack Russell Dot and Groodle Chewie live in Crisp Cottage, Mr. Nicholson is still selling before plans to move into the apartment.

Mr Daniel said Donald and his wife have been one of the main buyers asking about Collingwood House.

“I think it’s perfect for those looking for a low-maintenance, stylish, generous downtown life,” Daniel said.

“Of course, it also has the uniqueness of being an architect’s own house.”

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