When visiting Melbourne, the instinct is often to book a CBD hotel. But for a more intimate glimpse into local life, try The Dame – an architectural cottage in Fitzroy North that's been making international headlines in 2026. The circa-1900s worker's cottage was carefully restored by Sydney interior design studio ANNA.CARIN, with "a desire to honour what was already there". Since going up on Airbnb in May 2026, the property has graced the pages of Architectural Digest Germany and Gourmet Traveller, and gained recognition from the Interior Design Excellence Awards and the Best Bathroom category in Australian House & Garden's Top 50 Rooms. Each room takes on its own distinct character, tied together by a muted colour palette evoking domestic serenity. Vintage furniture and artwork bring a lived-in feel to the space, while the antique French doors in the sitting room open onto a garden, which comes with an outdoor grill top for summer BBQs. Soak it all in with champagne or wine on arrival. A baby-blue kitchen and dining nook is arguably the main attraction, complete with hand-painted cabinets and cement tiles nodding to the cottage's original 1940s fixtures. The kitchen is fully equipped with the essentials (yes, there's a coffee maker), plus a coveted Lacanche range for chef types. Despite The Dame's romantic exteriors, two wallpapered bedrooms — one with a king-sized bed and the other a queen — and two bathrooms make it a practical pick for family and friends too. Natural limestone and marble vanities run through the bathrooms, with the ensuite fitted with a claw bath for soaking needs. Much of the vintage furnishings come from ANNA.CARIN's personal collection, alongside pieces from Scandinavian designers Josef Frank and Poul Kjærholm. Expect touches of considered luxury sprinkled all around, like top-of-the-line linens, robes and towels from Tekla, Cultiver and Saarde. If you deign to leave the home, it's an easy stroll to Fitzroy North cafes, restaurants and wine bars, Edinburgh Gardens and the 11 tram. The latter takes you into the CBD, but we suggest exploring Melbourne's vibrant northside suburbs — Collingwood, the world's vinyl store capital, and Fitzroy are both nearby. The Dame is now open for bookings on Airbnb, with a three-night minimum stay. Head to the listing for more information. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox. Images: Supplied.