Catching a glimpse of Corio Bay every time you turn into the western end of Wattletree Road is one of the small pleasures of living in this tree-lined Drumcondra street. The view serves as a constant reminder of why most people move here: to be close to the water and the neighborhood’s scenic walking trails. This idyllic setting is exactly what drew Sue and her family to their restored Californian bungalow four years ago.
“Seeing the water at the end of the road is just beautiful,” Sue remarks, highlighting the allure of the bayside lifestyle. The promise of this lifestyle, coupled with excellent transport options, made their decision to settle in Drumcondra an easy one.
A Perfect Blend of Old and New
At 2 Wattletree Road, Drumcondra, all the hard work had already been done in renovating and extending the original home to create a family-friendly, four-bedroom layout that seamlessly blends period character with contemporary comfort. “It’s historic old-world charm combined with modern amenities, really big bathrooms, a spacious north-facing kitchen and living area, and the pool, of course,” Sue explains.
The heritage facade earns top marks for street presence, but it’s inside where the house truly shines. Original details have been meticulously retained in the front three bedrooms and formal lounge, showcasing timber floors, leadlight windows, ceiling roses, and picture rails.
Modern Living with Historic Roots
The main event is a light-filled rear extension, where outdoor entertainment opportunities abound on a covered deck overlooking a solar-heated swimming pool. Bi-fold glass doors off the dining and living area allow guests to easily transition outside from the huge island bench at the center of the open-plan kitchen. The kitchen itself is a chef’s dream, featuring a 900mm Smeg oven, stone benchtops, a large pantry, and wine storage, all evidence of the thoughtful design throughout.
“The biggest bathroom you’ve ever seen in your life,” Sue says, describing the ensuite with an impressive freestanding bathtub. The kids have their own in the family bathroom, so there’s no need to share.
Additional highlights include a designated storage room and a flexible, attic-style fourth bedroom/home office on the first floor. The love affair with storage continues downstairs, where the main bedroom boasts both a built-in wardrobe and a walk-in wardrobe.
Location, Location, Location
The location of this charming bungalow is hard to beat, with Melbourne only an hour away by train or car and the Geelong CBD “a lovely walk” away. “You can walk along the waterfront,” Sue says. “You can also walk in the other direction all the way up to Rippleside and Balmoral Quay.”
Maxwell Collins, Geelong agent Laura Vander Noord, is handling the sale of 2 Wattletree Road, Drumcondra. Price hopes are set between $1.7 million to $1.8 million, reflecting the property’s unique blend of historic charm and modern convenience.
Implications for Buyers
This renovated bungalow not only offers a picturesque bayside lifestyle but also represents a sound investment in a highly sought-after area. As more families seek homes that offer both character and modern amenities, properties like this one are likely to remain in high demand.
For potential buyers, the combination of location, design, and lifestyle makes 2 Wattletree Road a compelling choice. Whether drawn by the historic charm, the modern comforts, or the proximity to nature and urban conveniences, this Drumcondra bungalow offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the best of both worlds.
