15 Seymour Avenue, Armadale

Embracing the historic charm and lifestyle verve of its exclusive leafy surrounds, this evocative Victorian delivers turnkey luxe at its family-focused best, architecturally re-imagined to bring classical character into the modern day. Beyond a picket fence, lush gardens and double-fronted stance to a premier Armadale avenue, a free-flowing interior promises ease and comfort from the outset with its first-class fit out, adaptable layout, green outlooks from every corner, and wealth of space for a growing family. All on a single level to stay as practical as could be, Herniman + Group’s inspired redesign stays sympathetic to the home’s heritage through retention of details and use of existing rooms, with the plan’s four substantial bedrooms accompanied by abundant storage, a primary-bedroom ensuite with dressing room, and lavish central bathroom with a bathtub. A sizeable home office doubles as a nursery, second lounge or fifth bedroom, while at the end of a broad hallway, an open living/dining domain enjoys a calming, airy ambiance courtesy of soaring 3.3m ceilings, clever cross-ventilation, all-day sun and double-glazed windows and doors. Streamlining indoor-outdoor movement, two sets of sliding glass reveal an alfresco brilliant for a morning coffee or Sunday barbecue under the vivid purples of a mature wisteria, while manicured hedges ensure total privacy in a backyard complete with a solar-heated pool and spa. With stone benches, soft-close cabinetry, and upscale appliances by Miele and Smeg all enhancing a beautifully designed gourmet kitchen, other highlights include hydronic heating, reverse-cycle heating/cooling, Blackbutt floors, solid timber doors, high-quality fittings, double blinds, a shed, full-size laundry, electric-gated parking, and old-world features headlined by ornate ceilings, cornices, architraves, skirts, and fireplaces. In a position where a car is simply not a necessity, it’s just footsteps to Armadale Station, university-bound trams, peaceful parks and gardens, Malvern Central shops, and the thriving retail, culinary, and after-hours scenes of famous High Street and Glenferrie Road, while close to the Monash Freeway and some of Melbourne’s finest schools in Lauriston, Loreto Mandeville, De La Salle, Geelong Grammar, St Catherine’s, Scotch, and St Kevin’s.