Melbourne apartments: Hawthorn's finest in close proximity

 Only seven kilometres from the CBD, it’s not hard to see why those who grow up in the grand homes of Hawthorn are keen to stay in the well-established suburb close to just about everything.

A development of 45 apartments on a side street off Glenferrie Road is proving popular with local first-home buyers making their first foray into the property market in a familiar street.

The six-level 80 Lynch Street project has its own landscaped pathway exclusive to residents that opens on to Burwood Road.

The development is just 100 metres from the Glenferrie Road shopping strip, past the majestic bluestone Catholic church on the corner of Lynch Street that will be part of the view from some apartment balconies.

On that bustling Hawthorn strip, there are a plethora of popular nosheries as well as the Lido Cinema, while the suburb itself boasts extensive sporting venues and some of the city’s best private schools. Swinburne University is a 300-metre walk.

Public transport is well covered, with the trams of Burwood Road metres away and Glenferrie rail station within 200 metres of the development.

Apartments are larger than average and feature Miele appliances, stone benchtops and timber flooring, with no communal facilities in the building in order to minimise owners’ corporation fees.

At a glance:

• 80 Lynch Street, Hawthorn
• Architect: Urban Design Architects
• Developer: Lynch Street Holdings and Jameson Capital
• Number of apartments: 45 total. 12 one-bedroom; 12 one-bedroom plus study; 21 two-bedroom.
• Internal sizes: one-bedroom apartments 58-76 square metres; two-bedrooms 68-94.5 square metres.
• External areas: balconies 48-73 square metres; courtyards 53-65 square metres.
• Prices: one-bedroom $445,000-$495,000; one-bedroom plus study $480,000-$490,000; two bedrooms $580,000-$670,000.
• Car parking: basement. One car space for most apartments.
• Display suite: 80 Lynch Street, Hawthorn. Open Sat-Sun 2pm-4pm, Mon-Wed noon-4pm.
• Selling agent: Capital Property Marketing 9820 5888
• Completion estimate: late 2016.

Pedal power

Triathlete Laura Armstrong believes she has found the perfect sporting address with her new apartment close to her training venues at the Hawthorn Velodrome, Kew Boulevard and Richmond Boulevard.

Armstrong made an off-the-plan purchase of a one-bedroom apartment with study at a boutique development of 45 apartments at 80 Lynch Street, Hawthorn, that is expected to be completed late next year.

“I like the area and think the location is great as it’s close to my training facilities and there are lots of cafes around and good public transport,” she says.

The keen cyclist, who works in the city, plans to commute to work by riding her bike or catching the tram after she moves in.

Currently renting a unit in Fairfield, Armstrong was drawn to the modern design of the Hawthorn project and its limited number of apartments.

“I didn’t want to be in too big of a complex with a large owners’ corporation,” she says.

The spacious size of her one-bedroom apartment, which has a separate rather than an en suite bathroom, also helped entice her to sign on the dotted line.