16 Lysterville Avenue MALVERN

Comments on 16 Lysterville Avenue MALVERN

This is a family-sized home that you would normally expect to find on a family-sized block of land. But the land size here is unusually big for this area - big enough for a tennis court and a pool and plenty of lawn for kids to play on. The location is a practical one in terms of transport options and walkability to amenities although it is not the prettiest street in Malvern. This could become a long term happy family home for those who keep the big picture in mind.

The house itself could do with some changes to bring the floorplan up to some modern living expectations, although it does have a great indoor-outdoor connection and consequently, a lovely feeling of spaciousness from the expansive views of the back garden and tennis court.

The design is practical enough, but it does feel as if preference was given to main room sizes, making the width of hallways and stairs rather out of proportion to the traffic flow expected in a five bedroom home. Most would also consider the number of bathrooms and their sizes a bit lacking given the number of bedrooms. A large family home needs a large master bedroom retreat, which is also lacking here - although the smaller bedroom or the additional small study could be converted to create this haven.

The Wow of this home is its link with the surrounding garden areas and the zoning of multiple living, entertainment and quiet spaces that provides both separation and connection options. The grassed garden and pool (which is located in the right spot) lead to the tennis court and a yard that would suit families of all ages. The pergola and outdoor heating on the east and north side is a bonus that could mean year-round outdoor entertainment, and effectively increases the size of the family kitchen/ living area. This may also be important to those seeking a separate dining area or a more formal living style. The addition of the separate gymnasium/office in the garden would make a great teenagers/adolescents retreat (or a 'man-cave'), an important addition given there is no rumpus or media room on the upstairs level. The fully fitted downstairs study and connecting courtyard is ideal for a home office, although next doors' second storey windows are visible from this room.

There were five bidders at the auction of No. 14 Lysterville over a year ago. This was an older property needing a renovation or a rebuild, on similar land with a tennis court. It sold for $3,591,000. Although the facade here is rather plain, it belies what is to come once you enter the property, and we would expect good competition.