Coast and country

2 Ruthven Street, Daylesford
$1,375,000-$1.4 million
5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 car spaces

High above Lake Daylesford and within walking distance of both the waterside cafe and the popular town’s main street, this large and charming house would make a great permanent home or, STCA, holiday accommodation. Built about 140 years ago of local brick and stone, its L-shaped layout (with verandahs all round) makes the most of the position and the views. 

A simple and classic Victorian facade – two rooms set either side of a central doorway edged with coloured glass – belies the large interior. There are four bedrooms, two living rooms, an eat-in kitchen and a large “studio” with a bay window that could be guest accommodation. Everything is in very good condition with a good mix of modern and period features. On large land, the house is built around an internal courtyard and has long-established gardens that offer spring blossom, autumn colour and summer vines.

Hocking Stuart 5348 1700, Nathan Skewes 0439 322 630

17/15-16 The Esplanade, Cowes
$799,000
3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 car space

A terrace, a beach umbrella and the beach beyond: what more could you need? The rise of the beachside apartment is one of the most interesting real estate trends – low-maintenance apartments are a recognition that a holiday house should be, well, relaxing. Here there are three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large living room, that balcony with sea and jetty views and cafes a short walk away. The main bedroom has its own balcony and everything is in neutral tones.

Judith Wright Stockdale & Leggo 5952 5100, Josh Dunstan 0407 558 933

39 Little Joe View Lane, Monbulk
$1 million-plus
4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 6 car spaces

This four-hectare property has views of the mountains, a rambling garden filled with rare and interesting plants and plenty of room inside and out. In the Dandenongs’ horticultural heartland, there is potential to use some of the land for growing flowers or foliage. Or there’s always the option to just sit in the large comfortable house and enjoy the view. There are four bedrooms and two living areas downstairs, and another upstairs.

First National Real Estate Ranges 9754 6111, Jim Conder 0408 597 558

79 Hesse Street, Queenscliff
$1.8 million
4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms

An ultra-modern renovation brings some sharp lines and colour to the dramatic gothic interior of Queenscliff’s former Methodist church. Built in 1888 in the historic town’s main street, the recent conversion has kept the rich colours of the soaring timber ceilings and the pretty stained glass windows. Three levels have been incorporated in the original structure and there is ground-level retail, middle-level living areas and a top-level main bedroom with en suite and built-in wardrobes.

RT Edgar 5258 1811, Felix Hakins 0439 627 138