Catching a glimpse of Corio Bay each time you turn into the western end of Wattletree Road 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 settle here—to be close to the water and 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, coupled with excellent transport options, that drew her family to the restored Californian bungalow four years ago.
A Blend of History and Modernity
All the hard work had been done renovating and extending the original home at 2 Wattletree Road, 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,” she explains.
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 feature timber floors, leadlight windows, ceiling roses, and picture rails.
Designed for Entertainment and Comfort
The main attraction 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 large island bench at the center of the open-plan kitchen. This space boasts a 900mm Smeg oven, stone benchtops, a large pantry, and wine storage, showcasing the thoughtful design throughout.
Sue highlights other features of the home, including “the biggest bathroom you’ve ever seen in your life”—an ensuite with an impressive freestanding bathtub. The kids have their own in the family bathroom, eliminating the need to share.
Strategic Location and Accessibility
The location is another significant draw, 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 Road, Drumcondra, with price expectations between $1.7 million and $1.8 million.
Market Context and Future Implications
This development follows a trend in the local real estate market where renovated properties with both historical charm and modern amenities are in high demand. According to recent reports, inner-city sellers have been able to walk away with significant profits, even after short periods of ownership.
The move represents a growing appreciation for homes that offer both aesthetic appeal and practical living solutions. As urban centers continue to expand, properties like this Drumcondra bungalow offer a unique blend of accessibility and lifestyle, making them highly desirable in a competitive market.
Looking forward, the sale of this property could set a precedent for similar homes in the area, potentially driving up demand and prices for well-renovated, strategically located residences.
