Man charged with Vic designer’s murder

Man charged over designer's death in arson

Police have accused a man of murdering Stuart Rattle five days before the well-known interior designer was found dead in his burned Melbourne unit.

Mr Rattle's body was found by firefighters at his South Yarra unit in the early hours of Monday morning.

Michael O'Neill, 47, who is believed to be Mr Rattle's partner, has been charged with his murder and briefly appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Documents tendered to the court allege O'Neill, also of South Yarra, killed Mr Rattle last Wednesday, December 4.

He was remanded in custody to appear again on June 5 next year.

Mr Rattle, 53, who also had a home in Daylesford, has been remembered as talented and generous man who created "value and beauty in society".

He was well-known in the Daylesford area for the beautiful English gardens of his 35-hectare property, Musk Farm.

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Man charged with Vic designer's murder