Coast and country: smart Beechworth residence built to capitalise on gorge views

10 Pritchard Lane, Beechworth
$550,000
3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 car spaces

Beechworth is a rugged town, built around a large gorge, and full of historic stone buildings from its gold rush heyday. So this very Australian-looking corrugated iron house manages to bring together the past and the present in a smart residence that is elevated and built to capitalise on its gorge views. A huge open-plan living and dining room opens to a covered deck and all have great views. The adjoining kitchen has recycled red gum cupboards, granite benchtops and stainless steel appliances. There are three bedrooms, including the main with an en suite and sliding doors to the deck.

Devlin Beechworth 5728 1999, Rod Devlin 0400 281 999 

135 Settlement Road South, Drysdale
$3.2 million-$3.5 million
4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 4 car spaces

One trend to emerge in regional real estate recently has been the rise of “best of all worlds” properties: great houses suitable for permanent or holiday life with access to tourism, shopping and transport hubs, preferably within commuting distance of Melbourne. Here at Drysdale, a large new house has great views to the sea and an adjacent older home adds space for guests. On four hectares, the new house is vaguely colonial/tropical in style and has huge living areas facing the sea. Bedrooms occupy a separate wing and the interiors throughout are of high quality but with a relaxed feel.

Bellarine Property, Lee Martin 0400 957 839

61 Willowbank Road, Gisborne
$1.55 million
4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 4 car spaces

Less than an hour’s drive from Melbourne, this Victorian-style country retreat is set among towering trees and long-established gardens on a 6000-square-metre block. The four-bedroom house has verandahs all round and includes formal and informal living areas, bay windows and exposed brick walls. The main bedroom opens via double doors to the verandah and it has a smart en suite. A combined living-dining room stretches 11 metres and has a large open fireplace in the middle and exposed timber trusses overhead. The surprise here, though, is a 20-metre pool in an enclosed gas-heated pool house which includes an entertaining area.

Raine and Horne 5428 4007, Ken Grech 0418 509 710