Fitzroy North: famous writer Graeme Simsion selling iconic store home to Roy’s Antiques
Roy’s Antiques at 410 Queens Pde, Fitzroy North is for sale. The store is owned by famous author Graeme Simsion (right) and run by Roy Williams (inset right) pictured with John Batterbee (inset left) while promoting their book ‘A Guide to Affordable Antiques and Collectables in Australia’. Photos: Supplied, Rebecca Rocks.
The iconic Roy’s Antiques shop and dwelling in Fitzroy North owned by best-selling author Graeme Simsion is turning over a new page.
Since 1990, the writer’s best friend, noted antiques and art dealer Roy Williams, has operated a business at 410 Queens Pde while living upstairs.
Simsion’s award-winning novel The Rosie Project and its sequels sold millions of copies around the world. He also authored two books with wife Anne Buist.
RELATED: Winemaker Ben Haines toasts sale of Fitzroy North house
Fitzroy house price record: Incredible church conversion wowing buyers
Fitzroy bathroom with bunk bed, $910 monthly rent labelled ‘absolutely cooked’
Prior to the shop opening, Simsion and Mr Williams decided “over a lot of drinks” that Simsion would become the store’s silent partner.
When the circa-1882 premises they leased was put up for sale shortly after the shop opened, Simsion purchased the freehold.
“I have made almost no profit out of the business but I have bought a lot of things at an advantageous price,” Simsion said.
Filming a low-budget, unreleased movie named Voluntary Act at Roy’s Antiques inspired Simsion to become a writer.
Inside Roy’s Antiques which has been operating for 32 years.
A quirky bedroom, one of two originally used by a maid and shop boy, with plenty of shelving to display books, DVDs and other collectibles.
The shop and dwelling are set on 247sq m.
Antiques and art abound.
Mr Williams said the shop was full of furniture and objects “usually found in a French chateau before the French revolution or a stately English home”.
He plans to continue selling antiques online after vacating the store, where his customers have included a Romanov prince, Russian counts and countesses, opera singers and Academy of Ancient Music ensemble founder Christopher Hogwood, who borrowed a harpsichord.
The leafy garden.
Chandeliers, paintings and high ceilings create a grand atmosphere.
The original Victorian staircase leads upstairs to a galley kitchen.
Several social events have been hosted at the double-storey terrace boasting 3.2m-high ceilings, decorative plasterwork, French doors opening to a garden, two bedrooms and a “very grand” formal lounge.
“The business started 32 years ago with a cocktail party of 300 people, so it started with a bang,” Mr Williams said.
The store’s larger furniture and display items will be auctioned in September and Mr Williams will later move into a new home.
I see red.
Famous author Graeme Simsion owns the building. Picture: Sarah Matray.
The store has regular customers who sometimes visit once a day.
The commercial one-zoned property will be auctioned August 12 with $1.6-$1.7m price hopes.
Nelson Alexander Commercial partner Damien Theisz said the purchaser could live on-site, use the building as a shopfront or for both purposes.
“It is an iconic property, very unique and well-known within the Clifton Hill, Fitzroy North precinct,” Mr Theisz.
The property currently returns $75,000 in annual rent.
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: Victorian property prices: Third of suburbs have $1m median house price
Northcote gem saved from demolition and renovated makes $3.595m splash at auction
Eltham environmental beauty increases value by $245k in three years after $1m+ sale
