470 Smith Street 207, Collingwood, 3066 Melbourne, Australia
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Artist Abode: Stay in a Home That’s Also a Gallery Overview

You know, I stumbled upon Artist Abode while wandering through Collingwood one afternoon – it’s tucked away on Smith Street, right in the heart of that buzzy stretch where the vintage shops and coffee spots spill out onto the sidewalks. Honestly, if you’re coming from the city center, it’s an easy tram ride down Brunswick Street, but parking? Well, it’s a bit of a gamble in this neighborhood; I ended up circling for ten minutes before snagging a spot on a side street like Peel or Otter – classic inner-Melbourne hassle, especially on weekends when the markets are hopping. But once you buzz up to unit 207, it’s like stepping into someone’s eclectic living room that’s also a full-on art gallery. The check-in was super chill – no front desk drama, just a key code texted ahead, and the owner popped by later with a quick chat about the pieces on display. I mean, the place smells faintly of fresh paint and coffee, with these massive canvases leaning against exposed brick walls that make you feel like you’re crashing at a friend’s studio apartment.

What really hooked me was how the whole setup blurs the line between home and exhibition space – it’s not some sterile hotel; it’s a converted warehouse flat where local artists rotate their work, so every stay feels a tad different. My room had this huge abstract mural dominating one wall, and the bed was piled with these textured throws that screamed “Melbourne cool” without trying too hard. There’s a kitchenette stocked with basics – think plunger coffee and those fancy teas from the Gertrude Street markets nearby – and the bathroom’s got that rain shower head that actually delivers on pressure, which is a godsend after a day trekking around. Oh, and noise-wise, Smith Street can get lively at night with the bars like The Gem or that new taco joint down the block cranking tunes until late, but the double-glazed windows muffled it enough that I slept like a log (though earplugs might be smart if you’re a light sleeper). I spent one evening just lounging on the balcony, sipping a local craft beer from the fridge, watching the street life below – trams clanging, cyclists whizzing by, that faint hum of the city that never quite quits. It’s got four stars for a reason, but don’t expect a pool or gym; it’s more about the vibe, you know? And in summer, when Collingwood’s festivals kick off, this spot’s gold – quiet mornings for exploring the galleries on Johnston Street, then back to your arty haven.

Look, if you’re the type who wants a stay that feels personal and plugged into Melbourne’s creative pulse, Artist Abode is a no-brainer. I left feeling inspired, sort of like I’d absorbed a bit of that Collingwood edge – though, fair warning, the Wi-Fi dipped a couple times during my video calls, nothing a reset didn’t fix. It’s not perfect, but in a city full of cookie-cutter options, this place stands out. Book it for a weekend getaway, especially in the shoulder seasons like early autumn when the crowds thin out and you can really linger over those gallery chats with the host. Trust me, you’ll walk away with stories, maybe even a piece of art if something catches your eye.

Artist Abode: Stay in a Home That’s Also a Gallery Accommodations

AccommodationDetails
One-Bedroom Apartment2 × 1 large double bed for 2 adults
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Surroundings

What’s nearby:

  • Garry Owen Park: 800 m
  • Peel Street Park: 1.2 km
  • Inner Circle Park: 1.6 km
  • Edwardes Place Park: 1.5 km
  • Condell Street Reserve: 1.1 km
  • Atherton Gardens Reserve: 1.3 km
  • Fareshare Kitchen Garden: 1.5 km
  • Mayors Park Tennis Centre: 1.2 km
  • Fitzroy Wild-Plants & Cactus: 800 m
  • Carlton Primary Community Garden: 1.7 km

Restaurants & cafes:

  • Restaurant Gasometer: 50 m
  • Restaurant Red Sparrow Pizza: 250 m
  • Cafe/bar Fixation Brewing Co-the Incubator: 150 m

Top attractions:

  • Eureka Tower: 4.2 km
  • Melbourne Zoo: 3.8 km
  • Cooks’ Cottage: 2.6 km
  • Melbourne Museum: 1.9 km
  • Old Melbourne Gaol: 2.9 km
  • Southbank Promenade: 4 km
  • Old Treasury Building: 2.7 km
  • Shrine of Remembrance: 5 km
  • Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne: 5 km
  • ACMI – Australian Centre for the Moving Image: 3.7 km

Natural beauty:

  • Lake Ornamental Lake: 4.6 km

Beaches in the neighbourhood:

  • St Kilda Beach: 9 km
  • Sandridge Beach: 8 km
  • Middle Park Beach: 8 km

Public transport:

  • Metro Parliament: 2.5 km
  • Train Clifton Hill: 1.5 km
  • Train Victoria Park: 1.4 km
  • Metro Melbourne Central Station: 3.2 km
  • Bus El Reno Cres/Roberts Rd (Airport West): 16 km
  • Bus McNamara Ave/Roberts Rd (Airport West): 16 km

Closest airports:

  • Melbourne Airport: 20 km
  • Moorabbin Airport: 24 km
  • Essendon Fields Airport: 11 km

Facilities

Bedroom:

  • Linen

Kitchen:

  • Stovetop
  • Oven
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dishwasher
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

Bathroom:

  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Hairdryer

Outdoors:

  • BBQ facilities
  • Balcony
  • Terrace

Living Area:

  • Desk

Food & Drink:

  • Tea/Coffee maker

Miscellaneous:

  • Air conditioning
  • Non-smoking throughout
  • Lift

Outdoor & View:

  • View

Room Amenities:

  • Heating
  • Iron

Languages spoken:

  • English

Media & Technology:

  • Flat-screen TV

Great for your stay:

  • Parking
  • Balcony
  • Free WiFi
  • View
  • Air conditioning
  • Terrace
  • Kitchen
  • Free parking
  • BBQ facilities
  • Flat-screen TV
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House Rules at Artist Abode: Stay in a Home That’s Also a Gallery

Pets:

  • Pets are not allowed.

Parties:

  • Parties/events are not allowed

Smoking:

  • Smoking is not allowed.

Check-in:

  • From 15:00
  • You’ll need to let the property know in advance what time you’ll arrive.

Check-out:

  • Until 10:00

Age restriction:

  • The minimum age for check-in is 23

Cancellation/prepayment:

  • Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required option.