Neo-Renaissance Fitzroy trophy home passed in at auction

The historically and architecturally significant 122 Nicholson St, Fitzroy was passed in at its weekend auction.

It was passed in on a $3.2 million vendor bid as more than 100 people watched, The Herald Sun reported.

Built in 1862 and extended in the 1880s, the boom-style residence was last auctioned for $2.37 million a decade ago.

It remains for sale for $3.5 million through Nelson Alexander Fitzroy.

Designed in neo-Renaissance style at Fitzroy, it had been listed with initial price expectations between $3.5 million to $3.8 million.

The guidance was amended to $3.3 million to $3.5 million during the campaign.

Located at 122 Nicholson Street, the property was the home of architect J.B Denny.

The property sold in 1998 for $660,000 and in 2007 at $2.37 million.

J B Denny erected a four-room cottage on the site in the 1860s. Denny was the architect and at that time was also superintending architect at St Patrick's Cathedral. 

He is recorded as occupier of an enlarged house on this site until it was sold. It appears that at that time alterations were made to the building and its present appearance basically dates from that period.

The house, situated at the corner of King William Street, features a two tier arcade, a notable example of boom style house design.

The 1890s home sits opposite the Exhibition Building, minutes from the CBD and Brunswick Street.