Barbara's place is a stylish and spacious upstairs flat in a beautiful pre-war apartment block built around a lush courtyard. The building dates from 1927 and is in a Mediterranean architectural style featuring open shaded balconies and stairwells. It would be hard to find anything, even in the older bayside suburbs of Melbourne, that is quite as distinctive and beautiful as this block.
The block is close to the cafes and shops of Carlisle Street, but quiet enough to sleep undisturbed with the windows open. The other residents are a mix of owner occupiers and mature age renters, and while the courtyard below was the site of occasional gatherings, there were no noise or behaviour issues at all during our long stay.
The flat is painted, decorated and furnished in a style that matches the 1920s, but equipped with all modern conveniences. Unlike many apartments from that era it has an open and spacious feel to it. We found it very comfortable and thoroughly enjoyed our stay.