This week's best coastal and country properties in Victoria

283 Esplanade, Mount Martha
About $2.4 million
5 bedrooms 4 bathrooms 3 car spaces  

A Melburnian buying a Mount Martha beach retreat that has sweeping views of the sea – with a backdrop of city skyscrapers – must glance to the north occasionally and feel glad they’re on the water and not at work.

This most unexpected house is all about the views; the block is large at 1215 square metres but its pie-wedge shape and corner position has been well used to ensure views are maximised.

The main level has two huge living rooms – about 70 square metres each – and they both open to a wide, wraparound terrace. This level also has two large bedrooms, each with en suite and built-in wardrobes. Two other bedrooms are downstairs and there’s another upstairs.

Warlimont & Nutt, 5974 1401

95 Coles Road, Three Bridges
$680,000-plus
3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms 4 car spaces

A mountain backdrop, a riverside perch and a charming name that evokes images of meandering drives through country roads add up to a delightful package on four hectares just beyond Yarra Junction. The well-executed renovation has given the three-bedroom weatherboard house a spacious and cohesive feel. Families will welcome the three separate living areas, and the study is large enough to work as an occasional fourth bedroom. The large decks opening from the living areas add great outdoor spaces. One recessed area of decking is covered and is suited to outdoor dining. Inside, the updated kitchen has stainless steel appliances and it, along with the bathrooms, has cute corrugated iron panelling.

The main bedroom is at the far end of the house and has  a walk-in wardrobe, en suite and double doors to a deck overlooking the garden. Beyond the house, the four hectares have been planted with ornamental trees including oak and liquidambar. Pumping rights from the Little Yarra River ensure the orchard’s fruit trees prosper and they also allow the potential for further agricultural pursuits, subject to council approval. 

Andrew McMath Real Estate, 5967 1800 ​

1 The Esplanade, Ocean Grove
$2,595,000
5 bedrooms 3 bathrooms 4 car spaces

Opposite Ocean Grove’s main beach with only the car park and dunes between you and the water, this large house is an example of the contemporary style, grandeur and money flowing into the beachside towns near Geelong. Suitable as a permanent home, but with enough sea air and views to add a holiday feel, there are three levels and a basement garage, as well as a welcome lift. The ground level has two bedrooms and a huge family room which opens from a grand entrance hall. More bedrooms, including the main, are on the middle level and the top floor is devoted to a 55-square-metre living room, which has the kitchen set at the back. A study is up here, too, but the main appeal will be the large deck and the sea views. 

RT Edgar, 5255 4099, Ian Friend, 0414 581 811

​195 Savages Road, Fish Creek
$1.3 million-plus
3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms

As all the Prom campers trudge back to Melbourne after a week or two of communing with nature, many will dream of a life within reach of one of Victoria’s most popular national parks. This 45-hectare property has a large house on a rise and the views across Waratah Bay and Yanakie to Wilsons Promontory are particularly lovely. The three-bedroom, two-bathroom house has a large open-plan living area with verandahs all round. Sandstone-like bricks work well and the curved, glass-walled dining area adds a vaguely Victorian feel. Outside, all is ready for many agricultural pursuits, with a shearing shed, stockyards and four dams. 

Paragreen Real Estate, 5682 2100, Steve Paragreen, 0427 822 120