The Marque II — Same Building, Different Mood

Two bedrooms, one bathroom, and two secure car spaces in the same address that’s already rare enough in this postcode to mention twice — apparently once wasn’t enough, so now there’s a matching set. Freshly painted, new carpets throughout, and sheer curtains that let the light in without giving up the view. Styled by Design & Diplomacy, so the finishes do the talking — a curved rust-velvet sofa, a boucle armchair, a dark ribbed timber sideboard with brass hardware, and a marble coffee table paired with a sculptural timber stool that looks more like a piece of art than something to rest your coffee on. It probably is one. Nobody’s confirmed either way.

The Space

65m², two bedrooms, one bathroom.

What You Actually Get

Entry opens into a central hallway with a proper study nook — a timber desk, a rattan floor lamp and a green boucle armchair for the reading-or-pretending-to-work part of your stay. It’s tucked away enough that it doesn’t feel like a laptop balanced on your knee in the corridor.

From there, the floorplan opens into the kitchen, living and dining space, with the kitchen taking centre stage. It’s generously proportioned, so cooking dinner doesn’t require a choreographed shuffle between two people and a fridge door. The living area is flooded with natural light and elevated views over Collingwood’s rooftops, with the curved rust-velvet sofa doing the heavy lifting on movie nights and a dark timber dining table that handles dinner with friends without anyone eating off their lap.

The main bedroom has a sage green feature wall and a striking portrait artwork above the bed that watches you get dressed with what can only be described as quiet judgement. A boucle headboard, black timber bedside tables and warm, layered bedding lean more boutique hotel than serviced apartment, while the new carpets and sheer curtains mean mornings arrive gently rather than at full volume. The second bedroom is just as well sized, so nobody draws the short straw.

Step out onto the private balcony, styled with a woven outdoor lounge chair and a sculptural planter, for a morning coffee above the rooftops or an evening of sitting quietly with your thoughts and a glass of something.

The Location, Without the Spin

You’re in Collingwood, 2.5km from the CBD, in the part of Melbourne that actually has a pulse. Smith Street’s dining, bars, live music and independent retail are a two-minute walk, and Gertrude Street’s galleries, boutiques and cafés are about six minutes away — one of Melbourne’s best strips, and you’re allowed to pretend you discovered it. Fitzroy Gardens and Carlton Gardens are close by when you need some green, trams stop at your front door for a quick run into the CBD or out to Fitzroy and Abbotsford, and the Yarra trail is an easy stroll for anyone with ambitions of exercise. Coles, Woolworths and decent grocers are all within easy reach too, so nobody’s surviving on convenience store snacks unless that’s the plan.

Where to Eat (We’ve Actually Been)

• Carlitos — trending, epic sandwiches, next door. Zero effort required to get there.
• Proud Mary — one of Melbourne’s best brunches and coffee, directly opposite. You have no excuse to skip breakfast here.
• Easey’s — burgers served out of a converted train carriage, five storeys up. Themed hard around trains and graffiti. Locals rate it for the food and the weirdness in equal measure.
• Molly Rose — narrow Collingwood warehouse, Thai-style dishes like cuttlefish noodles with squid-ink mayo.
• Smith & Daughters — vegan, fire-focused, worth it regardless of what you eat, or what you think you eat.

Parking, Sorted

Two secure car spaces (2.1m clearance) — because “where do I park?” should never be the hardest question of your trip.

Pet Friendly

Yes, pets are welcome here, subject to our pet stay conditions — and with Smith Street’s cafés a short walk away, your dog will find plenty to sniff at.