Five of the best homes in Melbourne from a bygone era
Whether it’s art deco, Federation, Victorian, or Tudor, homes from a bygone era are often conveniently located in or near the inner city and offer both lifestyle and investment appeal.
With ornate craftsmanship, large proportions, quality materials, and often steeped in history, these residences have character and personality, and there is much to appreciate about them.
Here are five of Melbourne’s best homes from a bygone era.
38-40 Airlie Street, South Yarra VIC
This South Yarra Victorian residence offers views of Melbourne’s skyline, the MCG and AAMI Park.
The double-storey residence has preserved many of its original features, including the facade, walled garden, broad tessellated verandah, high ceilings, timber floorboards, and marble fireplaces.
A highlight is the large north-facing entertaining terrace, which sits beneath an oversized remote-controlled sun-awning and overlooks the leafy garden and fountain.
Located in the exclusive Botanic Gardens precinct, this property is also a standout, close to the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Tan Track, and Toorak Road.
52-56 Grattan Street, Carlton VIC
Located in inner-city Carlton, this property includes a triple block with two residences.
The main residence is a Victorian villa, with a separate, double-storey converted Victorian warehouse with independent access from Beard Place, offering flexibility for working from home, guest accommodation, intergenerational living, or rental income.
The single-level main residence showcases many Victorian features, including the facade, arched hallways with leadlight windows, a spiral staircase, timber floors and open fireplaces.
Kept within one family for a generation, the property has been tightly held. The total landholding of around 539 square metres also includes a north-facing garden.
58 Head Street, Brighton VIC
This Edwardian features a wisteria-draped entrance, soaring ceilings, leadlight windows, hardwood floors, and original fireplaces.
Beyond the period details, the home caters to modern living with a marble kitchen featuring designer appliances, a waterfall island, a butler-style pantry and custom cabinetry.
Outside, there is a custom al fresco pavilion with bluestone paving, established greenery, a solar-heated pool, and an outdoor shower.
The home is close to Elwood Beach and to a range of popular schools.
16-18 Irving Avenue, Prahran VIC
This freestanding, solid-brick Edwardian was originally designed by architect Sydney Wigham Smith in the early 1900s.
The home sits within around 1287 square metres of established park-like grounds, featuring a wisteria-draped pergola and deck, and a heated, self-cleaning pool.
The home itself celebrates its period origins with a verandah, a tuck-pointed façade, leadlight walls, deep cornicing, formal reception rooms with open fireplaces, and a box-bay window.
Other features include five bedrooms, three bathrooms, hydronic heating, and off-street parking for five cars.
3 Forster Avenue, Malvern East VIC
Built circa 1892, the Victorian residence ‘Oxonia’ has been owned by only four families.
The home features a tuck-pointed Hawthorn brick exterior, a blue-toned foundation and late-era Arts and Crafts details from the era it was built in.
Other period details include formal sitting and dining rooms, high ceilings, and ornate marble fireplaces.
Highlights include Art Nouveau-stained glass depicting Oxfordshire’s marshes and orchards, from which the original family came; a mahogany staircase; city skyline views from the upper level; a cellar; and proximity to Darling Station, Central Park, Koornang Road shopping, and cafés.
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