Our 15 favourite homes for sale in Victoria right now
By Jacqui Hammerton, Mary O'Brien and Lou Sweeney
Looking for your next home in Victoria? We’ve got you covered.
31-37 Blake Street, Shoreham
At the end of a long working week, with aching bones and weary mind, turning into the coastal sanctuary that is 31-37 Blake Street, Shoreham, would be heaven on a stick.
“Every time I drive I here, I just exhale and say, ‘Wow!’” says Sotheby’s International Realty’s Danielle Vains. “It’s absolutely gorgeous.”
Blake’s End sits on an old acre (0.4 hectares) of beautiful garden bookended by the local reserve on two sides, affording it a lovely, verdant privacy.
Then there’s the show-stopper of a house. Its rammed-earth construction looks stylish and timeless as well as robust and ready for action, sitting particularly handsomely in its native surrounds.
“It’s that combination of strong modern architecture blending into nature that makes it so good,” Vains says. “The birdsong here is incredible.”
Imagine those evening trills as you settle under the splendid raked lines of the sublime living and dining areas, looking across the broad decks and beyond the spectacular, infinity-edge pool to the bush.
The smart floor plan sees asymmetrical intersections create space that embraces the external world and smartly zones the multiple living and accommodation areas.
And all the while, those rammed earth walls radiate their earthy elegance. Brilliant.
The private sale has a guide of $6 million to $6.5 million.
12 Molesworth Street, Kew
Inspired by grand European houses, this mansion designed by John Coote is perfect for entertaining. Relax in the formal sitting room, the billiards/dining room or the glamorous living zone that frames a Paul Bangay garden. The La Cornue kitchen island, butler’s pantry with commercial appliances, and al fresco areas are impressive. Bonuses include an indoor pool, home theatre and enviable location.
108 St Georges Road, Toorak
A riverfront home with a jetty is a rare find, and this Guilford Bell-designed modernist landmark has also been reinvigorated with the latest luxuries. Highlights include a glittering terrace, cascading balconies of greenery, and a striking pool. Natural light and exceptional detailing define the living zones and superbly equipped kitchen. Note the heavenly main-bedroom suite and self-contained apartment.
54 Venice Street, Mentone
A multi-award winner, it’s not hard to see why this home has been a magazine favourite. Cool interiors designed by Jasmine McClelland ensure the living zones are filled with light. A suspended fireplace, sleek kitchen and statement staircase stand out. Families will love the pool, tennis court and location (it’s a stroll to schools, shops and the beach).
2301/45 Dudley Street, West Melbourne
Marvellous city views steal the limelight in this generous 23rd-floor sub-penthouse. Large windows and a balcony make the most of the Flagstaff Gardens vista, as does the private roof terrace. The open-plan living-dining space features high ceilings, timber-veneer panelling and a marble bar. The communal gym is handy. “It has never been lived in,” the agent says.
38 Churchill Street, Mont Albert
Architectural work on this magnificent 1907 attic-style home has created a hybrid residence with a lovely flow of rooms punctuated by surprises. Off a pillared verandah, the wide hallway separating grand formal rooms features an exquisite original spelter staircase figurine. The modern living zone has an open fireplace and glazing to its raftered timber cathedral ceiling. Woodland gardens, resort-look bathrooms and timber panelling add distinction.
32 Oxford Street, Newport
This turnkey home with a Victorian facade could set a record price for the Newport Lakes Reserve precinct, the agent says. The cottage was gutted then restored, tripled in size and given contemporary flair by its builder-vendor. The living zone opens to a covered deck and grassy yard. A three-bedroom upper floor, rumpus room, sitting room and double garage offers space for all.
60 Elm Grove, Kew East
Golf, swimming and bushwalking are built-in pastimes around this split-level dwelling in a hidden cul-de-sac embedded in Yarra River parkland and golf courses. The stars of the 1983-built entertainer are a 12.5-metre indoor lap pool set among tropical plants, and a balcony view of Green Acres’ fifth hole. Its owners of 25 years note the friendliness of local birdlife and neighbours.
505 Albert Street, Brunswick West
A proud pediment, green tiling and footpath verandah give this Edwardian shopfront heritage distinction in its period streetscape. The former shop could be a lounge room, office or yoga studio. In the modern two-storey extension completed in 2019, a polished-concrete living zone meets a courtyard, then an al fresco space fronts a garage that doubles as a barbecue, second kitchen and storage zone.
27a Asbury Street West, Ocean Grove
There’s a warm, beachy feel through this new townhouse that delivers a leisure vibe, whether the buyer is planning relaxing weekends or permanent living. It’s in the muted hues, in the leafy outlook from the upper-level barbecue balcony, and in the coveted Old Grove pocket near Blue Waters Lake. The split-level dwelling, one of a pair, has a living zone on each level.
23 Barkers Road, Kew
The 1937 build and later two-storey extension of this family abode near the Main Yarra Trail are substantial, and the facade’s art deco details adorning arches, windows, gables and chimneys are as pretty and intricate as you’ll ever see. Period charm turns to contemporary style in the open-plan living zone and a big backyard pool. “You’ll come for the school zone and stay till you downsize,” the agent says.
G03/363-365 High Street, Ashburton
This elegant single-level apartment “sets a benchmark for the area”, channelling the quality and luxury inclusions typical of Toorak and Malvern, the agent says. House-sized and wrapped by a terrace, it nestles at the rear of Chapter, a development of 24 near Ashburton’s recreation centre and shopping strip. “It’s well thought-out in design, making it future-proofed and timeless,” the agent says.
82A Tasman Road, Somers
After a day at the beach, stroll home to this designer timber and rammed-earth retreat. The north-facing living zone includes a stylish kitchen with skylights, while the terrace has an outdoor fireplace. Good bedroom zoning and a second living room are welcome, plus the pool and garden promise summer fun. “Everything is generous in scale,” the agent says.
3 Thornton Grove, Balnarring
Close to village shops, this welcoming house ticks many boxes. The light-filled family room features a recycled timber wall, fireplace and kitchen with a central island and butler’s pantry. The study could work as a second living room or fourth bedroom, while the main-bedroom suite is privately zoned. A pool and garage/workshop add to the attractions.
70 Dodd Street, St Andrews
Mud-brick houses have a timeless appeal. This 1970s example by Les Fisher features rustic timber beams, exposed brick and curved walls. The charming living-dining room has a chiminea-style fireplace. There’s a family room, lounge, and first-floor study linked to a rooftop terrace with views. “It has a special feeling that makes you want to stay,” the agent says.
This article was originally published by Domain.com.au. Reproduced with permission.