Iconic Australian cartoonist and artist Michael Leunig’s house in Fitzroy North is for sale with a $2.3m-$2.5m range.
Leunig, who died aged 79 years old in 2024, was famous for his cartoons which appeared weekly in the The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald newspapers for more than four decades.
Also a painter, poet and printmaker, his drawings are held in collections including the National Gallery of Australia, National Library of Australia and State Library of Victoria.
The late cartoonist and artist Michael Leunig’s family is selling his home at 86 Falconer St, Fitzroy North.
RELATED: Melbourne couple’s Fitzroy brothel reno scores multimillion-dollar sale
Wyndham Vale home with Wizard of Oz mural sparks bidding frenzy
Melbourne: Cheeky bedroom mural by famous artist David Bromley titillates buyers
Leunig published more than 30 books, collaborated with other creatives, and even performed at the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games’ opening ceremony dressed as a duck, one of his signature cartoon characters.
In 1999, he was declared an Australian Living Treasure by the National Trust of Australia, a status which recognises Aussies who have made outstanding contributions society.
Leunig’s three-bedroom house, which has been listed by his adult children, showcases his framed artworks on the walls.
Pieces by two of his children who are also artists, Minna Leunig and Gus Leunig, also hang in the 86 Falconer St abode.
Leunig’s artwork, plus works by his artist children Minna Leunig and Gus Leunig, hangs on the walls.
Michael Leunig with a cut-out of one of his signature cartoon characters at an exhibition.
Nelson Alexander’s Peter Stephens said the online listing video would incorporate Leunig’s work as well.
The agent said Leunig had lived at the circa-1890 residence since about 2007.
“It is a freestanding single-fronted terrace which is quite rare,” Mr Stephens said.
“It was renovated about 20 to 25 years ago.”
The courtyard could also be used as a car space.
Filled with natural light, the house has a courtyard, kitchen with an island bench and dishwasher, separate dining area, and living area with an open gas fireplace.
Leunig’s son, Sunny Leunig, said the open fire was one of his father’s great loves, along with the generosity of the living space itself.
“The leafy courtyard was a favourite place for an afternoon cup of tea,”
“The house itself is very quiet, you can’t hear any traffic noise, so it made a great place for Michael to work.
“Sometimes I’d arrive to find half-finished cartoons scattered across the kitchen table ideas mid-flight, always hovering somewhere near the edge of a deadline.”
The house is close to public transport, parks, cafes and shops.
Michael Leunig in 2002. He often collaborated with musicians including singer Gyan Evans with whom he launched an album and performed at the Sydney Opera House. Picture: Carmela Roche.
The bathroom includes a bathtub.
Sunny said his dad also enjoyed sitting on the bench out the front of the house, talking with neighbours and passers-by.
“He also deeply loved the location and the character of the street itself: broad, tree-lined, and filled with sky,” Sunny said.
“A park across the road, with Edinburgh Gardens at one end and the walking trails of Merri Creek Trail at the other.”
Leunig’s favourite cafes, Cavallini’s and Mitte, are both a short walk from home.
“He used to walk over the bridge to Westgarth Cinema or catch the train into the city, walk down to Piedemontes or Wild Things or go for a stroll down to the gardens,” Sunny said.
“I love this place but every home eventually asks for a new chapter, and this beautiful home now waits for the people who will fill it with stories of their own.”
The home gets plenty of natural light streaming inside, making it a great place to create art.
The house was renovated about 20 to 25 years ago.
Mr Stephens described Falconer St as one of the best streets in Fitzroy North thanks to being wide, tree-lined, full of beautiful homes and its location adjacent to Edwardes Reserve.
“The house is equidistant to the Edinburgh Gardens, Queens Pde and the Fitzroy North Village and shops,” added.
Mr Stephens said the house would suit a small family, a couple or downsizer.
It will be auctioned at 1pm on May 30.
Sign up to the Herald Sun Weekly Real Estate Update. Click here to get the latest Victorian property market news delivered direct to your inbox.
MORE: ‘It’s just crazy’: Vic landlord slams Allan govt
English (US) · 