Catching a glimpse of Corio Bay every time you turn into the western end of Wattletree Rd is one of the small pleasures of living in this tree-lined Drumcondra street. This view serves as a constant reminder of why many choose to move here: to be close to the water and enjoy the neighborhood’s scenic walking trails.
“Seeing the water at the end of the road is just beautiful,” says vendor Sue. It was this lifestyle promise, along with excellent transport options, that drew her family to this restored Californian bungalow four years ago.
A Blend of Heritage and Modern Living
All the hard work had been done renovating and extending the original home at 2 Wattletree Rd, Drumcondra, to create a family-friendly, four-bedroom layout that 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 adds.
The heritage facade earns top marks for street presence, but it’s inside where the house truly shines. Original details have been retained in the front three bedrooms and formal lounge, which display timber floors, leadlight windows, ceiling roses, and picture rails.
Modern Features and Entertainment Space
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 move easily outside from the huge island bench at the center of the open-plan kitchen. The kitchen features a 900mm Smeg oven, stone benchtops, a large pantry, and wine storage, showcasing the thoughtful design throughout.
Other highlights include “the biggest bathroom you’ve ever seen in your life,” according to Sue, referring to an ensuite with an impressive freestanding bathtub. The children have their own bathroom, eliminating the need to share. Additionally, a designated storage room sits alongside a flexible, attic-style fourth bedroom/home office on the first floor.
Prime Location and Accessibility
The location 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 notes. “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 Rd, Drumcondra, with price hopes set between $1.7 million to $1.8 million.
Market Context and Future Prospects
This development follows a trend of increasing demand for properties that offer a blend of historical charm and modern amenities. The sale of this Drumcondra bungalow comes at a time when the real estate market is seeing a resurgence in interest for bayside living, driven by lifestyle changes post-pandemic.
According to real estate experts, properties like this are particularly attractive to buyers seeking a balance between urban convenience and a tranquil, scenic environment. The combination of heritage appeal and modern upgrades makes such homes a rare find in today’s market.
As the housing market continues to evolve, properties that offer unique features and prime locations are likely to remain in high demand. The sale of 2 Wattletree Rd may set a precedent for future transactions in the area, highlighting the value of well-preserved and thoughtfully modernized homes.
With its blend of history, comfort, and location, this Drumcondra bungalow represents an ideal opportunity for those looking to embrace a bayside lifestyle without sacrificing modern conveniences.
