This mid-century beach home with bay views is made of stone, timber and good vibes

All hail the tried and true. While we love a big, brassy beachfront abode, we rate character, too. With a lofty Peninsula position and a blue bay view, this divine mid-century house looks pretty close to a dream come true.

Split-level, stacked granite, rich timber and generous glazing. If we had to list our favourite design kit, we might just write down “30 Fairbairn Avenue, Mount Martha”.

“It’s been recently updated,” says Jellis Craig’s Adam Dureau. “But it’s the stonework here that really is the stand-out feature.”

That characterful granite finds its best expression in the splendid living room, where the hearth wall rises up to the ceiling. It’s a warm highlight throughout the communal spaces and the three fine bedrooms – the tawny hue robustly framing pretty windows that overlook the substantial garden.

A broad balcony beyond the plentiful glass wraps around the living and dining areas, taking you out to the big sky and bay views. Down below, that rangy, framing green runs to Sheoak Creek.

Permanent home, weekender or Airbnb – there are options aplenty here, as well as easy access to Mount Martha village, one of our all-time favourite coastal strips.

The private sale has a guide of $1.4 million to $1.54 million.

9A/9 Beach Street, Port Melbourne

The forever views from this corner apartment are the real wow factor here. In a former factory, the sub-penthouse is a light-filled home overlooking the bay and St Kilda. Polished timber floors, large windows and a versatile study/third bedroom appeal. “Apartments of this scale simply aren’t crafted anymore,” the agent says.

50 Lucas Street, Brighton East

There’s a lot to like about this super-sized, family-focused house. The main living space opens to a louvred terrace, a deck and a pool with leafy backdrop. A ground-floor lounge and upstairs retreat with a study desk are useful additions. It’s close to schools, parks and Hampton Street. The agent recommends the “phenomenal poolside entertaining area”.

90 Locksley Road, Ivanhoe

Summer entertaining’s a breeze in this family home with a party-primed garden. Backyard essentials include a pizza oven, barbecue and pool. The energy-efficient house has a family-friendly floor plan with a study, lounge and upstairs retreat. The lush garden is a highlight. “With 20 solar panels … the home basically runs itself,” the agent says.

11/12 William Street, South Yarra

A little imagination goes a long way in this chic renovated apartment. While the north-facing lounge and balcony with city views appeal, it’s the inspired luxe finishes (elegant lighting, colourful stone and kit-kat tiles) that steal the show in this top-floor home. “It feels like a Parisian apartment,” the agent says.

304/181 Cardigan Street, Carlton

Downsizers dreaming of becoming city slickers will like the La Storia development of 20 apartments opposite Argyle Square and steps from Lygon Street. Recently finished, this third-floor home has a north-facing living-dining room (with an on-trend kitchen) that opens to a generous balcony. “It’s a classic lock-it-and-leave designer home,” the agent says.

449 Glenferrie Road, Toorak

Kooyong Gardens – an upscale development with construction starting in 2026 – will offer north-facing apartments overlooking the park after which it’s named.

Developer Above Zero teams up with architect Cera Stribley and designer Lauren Tarrant. Soft lines and recessed balconies will be matched by plush interiors in the eight homes, including a penthouse.

This article was originally published by Domain.com.au. Reproduced with permission.

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