Staying with Joseph at his Coburg North abode was about as Melbourne as it gets.

Set among a beautifully leafy street located off Melbourne's well known Sydney Road (as featured in Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations a few years ago), about a 15 minute walk from the route #19 tram terminus, Joseph's place is as homely as it is atmospheric. With local bands or community radio playing in the background the house is always full of life, and you know you are in Melbourne - a city well renowned for its rich music scene.

Joseph himself is also as true to Melbourne as can be. Friendly, outgoing and always up for a chat. On a day off he even drove a group of visitors to Brighton beach which I thought was lovely. His home is full of trinkets, classic cars and even the loo has been given over to the many visitors who have inscribed all sorts of messages. No magazine needed.

The house is well equipped with just about everything you need. Joseph was more than happy to oblige with the request of a study desk and fan for the bedroom (you will need this until when the mercury polarises in May - it can still top 30ºC even soon after winter and until April following the height of summer).

On my visit I was sharing the place with a number of travellers from France who were also friendly and outgoing (I myself was in between addresses and a Perth-Melbourne floating local). Speaking of which, Joseph was more than understanding when I had to leave early due to family reasons.

I would happily return and recommend any traveller who wants to experience Melbourne with a truly Melburnian host at a truly Melburnian house that they stay with Joseph.