Fitzroy North: Hospital-turned-house where TV icon Bert Newton was born is for sale

A former maternity hospital where Australian show business and media legend Bert Newton is believed to have been born has been turned into a house. Now it could be yours.

Comedian and television presenter Graham Kennedy with fellow presenter Bert Newton in a scene from In Melbourne Tonight, 1964.

A former Fitzroy North private hospital where Australian television legend Bert Newton is believed to have been born has hit the market.

Now a house, the 6 Freeman St address previously operated by two nursing sisters has been listed for sale with a $2.55m price tag.

The circa-1870 building served as a maternity hospital including during the 1920s.

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A decade ago, when the current owner bought the home, its previous owners told her that Newton had been born there in 1938.

The Logie Hall of Famer was one of six children born to parents Gladys and Joseph Newton.

He grew up in Fitzroy and lived with his parents until he married wife Patti, a singer, dancer, actor and presenter.

Newton, who died in 2021, was known for his radio, theatre and television work on top of co-hosting and hosting TV shows including In Melbourne Tonight, New Faces, Good Morning Australia, Bert’s Family Feud and several Logie Awards ceremonies.

The house was formerly a private maternity hospital.

Patti and Bert Newton arrive at opening night of Chicago The Musical in Melbourne, 2019. Picture: Sam Tabone/Getty Images.

There’s two residences on a single title at the address, although the home could be used by just one owner.

In 1979, he was crowned the first Melbourne-born King of Moomba.

That same year he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire for his service to the performing arts.

Almost three decades later, Newton was made a Member of the Order of Australia for services to the entertainment industry and for supporting a range of medical research and charitable organisations.

The house is set on a 466m block.

Bert Newton at the Channel Ten studios in 1997.

There’ are two kitchens within the house.

The Fitzroy North home’s owner said the double-fronted Victorian-era abode was now classified as two separate residences on a single title.

An internal door divides the home with both sections having two bedrooms, a bathroom with a shower and bath combination and kitchens fitted with Bosch appliances.

The owner said she renovated the kitchens and bathrooms after buying the house as an investment, because it was located close to family.

Period features like high ceilings, arched hallways, polished hardwood floors and original fireplaces remain.

“It has the original laundry at the back with the original tubs,” the owner said.

There’s also two bathrooms.

Bert Newton and wife Patti ham it up in 1983.

The house is close to Rathdowne Village, the open spaces of Curtain Square and Edinburgh Gardens, cafes, shops and public transport.

There’s also dining and meals areas, outdoor courtyards, external storage space and garage parking for three cars.

Nelson Alexander Fitzroy partner Rick Daniel said the “grand home” featured a hallway measuring 1.7m to 1.8m wide.

“It’s great for intergenerational living and is a great property with lots of upside,” Mr Daniel said.

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Originally published as Fitzroy North: Hospital-turned-house where TV icon Bert Newton was born is for sale