Uncommonly charming
The Age
Saturday March 27, 2010
This eccentric, inner-city pocket is becoming a market hot-spot, writes Susannah McGregor. COMPARED to the renowned royal castle of the same name, suburban Windsor may fall short in a duchess count and land claim but it is not without prestige and an august charm.The suburb's tiny grid of streets makes it distinctive in the postcode world as it claims a place in Melbourne's group of "in-between" suburbs.Thanks to this exclusivity and a great location within seven kilometres of the city centre, real estate is highly sought and demand often outstrips supply. Rentals are also snapped up, largely by the transient population of Swinburne's Prahran Campus, which, in turn, attracts investors to the area.Housing stock includes townhouses, smaller apartments and traditional, single-fronted cottages, though larger allotments can be found on and around the suburb's best street, The Avenue.Gentrification has changed the commercial face of 3181, pumping a fresh edge into the exiguous and once-bland Windsor tail of Chapel Street. Bars, cafes and funky retailers have replaced the knick-knack-paddy-whack stores and offer a laidback village vibe to contest the boutique and Botox of the South Yarra end.TOP TEN SPOTS1Tarlo & Graham, 60 Chapel Street, sells an eclectic mix of original vintage pieces from quirky taxidermy animals and unusual tooth models to cool furniture and collectables.2Windsor Castle, 89 Albert Street. This backstreet watering hole lures thirsty patrons on sunny afternoons with its fab beer garden under the shade of a sprawling rubber tree. The interior is more rustic than royal, though the pub grub is fit for a king.3Tyranny of Distance, 147 Union Street. This defunct servo now pumps out coffee to kick-start people's engine and delicious signature flatbreads so patrons can refuel in a chic, industrial setting.4Melbourne Bowling Club, 138 Union Street. Lawn bowling is back and it's cool. Australia's oldest bowling club offers a $20 social pass that includes shoes, bowls and two hours on the green.5Back Bar, 67 Green Street. This hip bar embraces all the grandeur of the Windsor affiliation: antique velvet lounges, deep-rouge ornate armchairs, dramatic drapes and private function spaces titled the Gold and Red rooms.6Design a Space, 142 Chapel Street. An innovative retail concept allows designers to rent space to sell their fashions, homewares and art. Supporting local talent seems an excellent excuse to shop.7Bohemia, 20/2 Maddock Street. This uber-cool bar and bistro is a little taste of Europe with goulash, stuffed schnitzels and Austrian, German, Hungarian and Czech beers on the menu.8National Institute of Circus Arts, 41 Green Street. NICA put a spin on studying with its BA in circus arts and brings the carnival to the community with short courses for all ages.9Lucky Coq, 179 Chapel Street. Cheap and cheerful pizzas, beers on tap and a chilled ambience sees this stalwart bustling, especially during hours when pizzas are a bargain $4.10Mothers Milk, 17 Chapel Street. The cosy ,lounge-style environment and fancy, open-air deck area create a happy medium between club and pub at this popular haunt.
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