Our 12 favourite homes for sale in Melbourne right now
By Jacqui Hammerton, Lou Sweeney and Mary O'Brien
Looking for your next home in Melbourne? We’ve got you covered.
184 Kooyong Road, Toorak
You might think a lack of ornamentation, blank walls and a rigorous adherence to private space could make for a boring abode. In the hands of the wrong person, undoubtedly; in the hands of Guilford Bell, never.
One of Australia’s most esteemed 20th-century architects, Bell drew on everything from ancient architecture to the modernist oeuvre to create his distinctive pavilions.
Built in 1975, Hallows House at 184 Kooyong Road, Toorak, is considered to be a classic.
A deep setback and forecourt, a high-walled edifice, and a north-facing courtyard are its key features, and underscore that privacy was always paramount in design.
Inside, though, the light and warmth is abundant and the anchoring tone and textures of the timber-lined ceilings and tiled floors are perfect against whitewashed walls.
“Apart from a few cosmetic changes, it’s pretty much in its original form; clean lines, natural light, classic zoned living,” says Jellis Craig’s Mike Beardsley.
He describes Bell as being ahead of his time, sought-after by the top end of town and flown around the country on commission from some of Australia’s most prominent families. “Some say this one, though, is his masterpiece.”
10 Sorrett Avenue, Malvern
The grandeur of the 1890s is beautifully preserved in this two-storey Victorian mansion. Period details such as high ceilings, marble fireplaces and leadlights are found in the formal sitting and dining rooms. An open-plan living room with contemporary kitchen overlooks the extensive garden and pool. The office, balconies and cul-de-sac location are also tempting. Stroll to High Street.
18 Robinson Street, Malvern
Those hunting for a forever family home will like this Stonnington Estate classic. On a large block, the spacious house includes formal rooms and a light-filled, open-plan living zone that links to a terrace, landscaped garden and pool. It’s on a quiet street within walking distance of trams. “The big back garden is magical,” the agent says.
16 Findon Crescent, Kew
Take refuge from the world in this resort-style home with a pool, tennis court and delightful Rick Eckersley-designed garden. The 1930s house offers flexibility with a large study, sitting room/study and living room. The family zone faces north, the rumpus room has a bar and there’s an artist’s studio. It’s close to the Yarra and top schools.
268 Beach Road, Black Rock
Between Black Rock and Half Moon Bay, this luxe designer house shows off its sleek lines. The sculpted staircase and rooftop terrace with bay views are highlights. Relax in the downstairs lounge with bar and wine cellar or the glamorous first-floor family room that flows onto a balcony. Bonuses include upscale finishes, a sauna, lift, library and pool.
29 Herbert Street, Footscray
Newly completed capital works improvements to Footscray Primary School are luring young families into this sought-after pocket, the agent says. Three doors from the school’s playing field, this Californian bungalow is easy-care and functional. Its renovation preserved the handsome facade and some fine original features inside. A small separate studio on the rear deck is ideal for WFH.
5 Leindan Court, Mount Eliza VIC
Dream big to join Mount Eliza’s exclusive and environmentally aware Woodland precinct of large established properties, many being renewed by the next generation. This elegant new weatherboard residence by a local builder offers space and sparkle with a distinct “peninsula-style” coastal-contemporary look, the agent says. The vast family room’s raftered cathedral ceiling extends to cover a north-facing deck alongside the swimming pool.
7 Regent Street, Brighton East
Central to Church and Hampton street shopping strips, the golf course and the beach, blue-chip Regent Street is a high sales performer, the agent says. This contemporary townhouse features smart technology, four living areas across three levels and an integrated poolside al fresco zone. “I love the way it’s laid out,” he says, noting the basement media room and a top-floor kids’ zone.
36-38 Peak Drive, Harkaway
High-end, customised family domains populate the relatively recent acreage subdivision at semi-rural Harkaway. This striking architectural residence with two double garages, built in 2018, was guided largely by the owners’ vision, the agent says. Happy days are ahead with basement wine and games rooms, a basketball court, a party hut, a fire pit, and five bedrooms with en suites. Views from the elevated terrace stretch to the bay.
33/2 Exhibition Street, Melbourne
A whiff of ink and the ghostly rumble of printing presses may linger at this bolthole on the fourth floor of the c1920s former Herald & Weekly Times building, anchoring a prominent corner of the CBD’s Paris end. Grand casement windows framed by Ionic piers frame the pad’s leafy view west. There’s a glass-walled bedroom behind the living zone and another, or a study, on the mezzanine. It comes with basement parking.
39 Hardy Street, South Yarra
The “calming, charming feeling of yesteryear” at this semi-detached Victorian cottage mixes with the thrill of potential as per plans drawn by local firm Lande Architects, the agent says. In a one-way street off Argo Reserve, among predominately single-fronted Victorian homes, the secure pad with a side courtyard is “close but not too close to the hustle and bustle of the South Yarra lifestyle”.
50 Vauxhall Road, Northcote
This new build in the working class yet uber-trendy inner north dares to flaunt a sophisticated southside resort style. “It’s a showpiece home in one of the prettiest tree-lined streets,” the agent says. The low profile and poolside crazy paving of the Mason Bright design suggest a mid-century ambience. Travertine and timber provide depth against dominant white in vertical battens, textural brickwork, and oversized window frames.
This article was originally published by Domain.com.au. Reproduced with permission.