St Kilda East’s charm and $350k price gap lured North Melbourne’s Darcy Tucker and partner Ellie Morish to their dream Victorian home. Photo: Mark Stewart
Bayside-style living without the bayside price tag has made St Kilda East the perfect match for North Melbourne player Darcy Tucker and his partner Ellie Morish.
Tucker, 27, joined North Melbourne in 2023 after 108 games with Fremantle, having been drafted at pick 27 in the 2015 national draft.
The versatile defender made his AFL debut in 2016 and has since built a reputation for his consistency, toughness and ability to shut down dangerous opponents.
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The couple moved into the inner-city suburb after six months of searching, drawn by its unbeatable location and a price tag almost $350,000 lower than neighbouring bayside postcodes and said it’s all about location.
“We’re right in the middle of everything, a short stroll to Chapel St, High St, some of the best restaurants in Melbourne,” they said.
“The centrality is unbeatable.”
North Melbourne defender Darcy Tucker, a former Fremantle star, says his new inner-city base is perfect for both footy and lifestyle. Photo: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images
Having lived in Albert Park for years, Ellie said she was well aware of the gap in values between St Kilda East and similar suburbs.
“I track the market very closely so I knew exactly what we were stepping into,” she said.
“We bought an architecturally designed Victorian home that’s brand new and finished without compromise.
Darcy Tucker and Ellie Morish chose St Kilda East for its unbeatable location, vibrant dining scene and easy access to Arden Street. Photo: Mark Stewart
“In Albert Park or Prahran, something similar would be hundreds of thousands more.”
For Darcy, the move also made sense from a practical perspective with the drive to Arden St quicker than when the couple was in Albert Park.
“Public transport here is excellent too, when the Metro Tunnel opens, he could even take a train straight across the city if he wanted to Arden.”
The couple say Alma Park is “the best dog park in Melbourne” and love their regular coffee runs to The Wall on Carlisle St. Photo: Mark Stewart
The pair have quickly settled into the community, with the couple agreeing Alma Park “the best dog park in Melbourne.
“It’s just five minutes from home we also take regular visits to our local favourite The Wall on Carlisle Street for coffee,” Ellie said.
“Darcy’s away a lot with football and I’ve never felt unsafe here.
And with Melbourne tipped for a market upswing in the coming years, she expects St Kilda East’s time could be soon.
“When Prahran and Armadale get to that point where buyers are priced out, they’ll come here,” Ellie said.
“We’re a long way off upsizing, but I know when the market catches on, this will be the perfect springboard for our next property.”
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