2 South Rd, Brighton

Period Family Home with Excellent Views

A fine statement of elegant period integrity on a commanding corner site, this landmark Victorian (Craighall, circa 1901) delivers an imposing presence, a matter of footsteps from the beach. Graced with comprehensive coastal views over lush local parkland, this is a singular offering of rare distinction, powerful prestige and timeless beauty.

Each and every space tells a story. Beyond a manicured Paul Bangay garden entrance, a truly spectacular arched hallway branches off to a pair of captivating formal rooms, significant in scope under high decorative ceilings. A welcoming sitting room is drenched in natural light, and a stately dining room is ideal for entertaining with style. Perfect for large-scale entertaining through to smaller informal gatherings, both rooms feature marble detailed fireplaces and bay windows.

The home opens up in contemporary fashion with a family dining area, underscored by a sparkling kitchen showcasing integrated Siemens appliances, an inviting island bench, glistening granite surfaces, and ample pantry space. Still on ground-floor level, discover a skylit home office, paved rear courtyard, and a remote-controlled 6-car garage with storage capability.

A beautifully balanced home with generous scale, venture upstairs via an impressive timber staircase with delightful stained glass catching the light, brought to life by the renowned Klaus Zimmer. All 3 bedrooms are staged on this floor with the thoughtfully detailed master featuring walk-in robes, an open fireplace, and a private ensuite boasting a spa bath and walk-in shower. The remaining two bedrooms are superbly serviced by a gleaming bathroom with a bathtub and separate shower.

A large upstairs sitting room offers direct access to the wraparound first-floor balcony at the front of the home. Enjoying blissful, blue-water bay views and capturing soothing summer sea breezes, dine alfresco or entertain on a grand scale in a unique setting of indulgence.

A fine example of Victorian architecture and detail, the home offers the full complement of period features. Admire exquisite lead-lighting, bay windows, four marble-framed open fireplaces, intricate ceiling roses, slate roof, tessellated tiling, wraparound verandah and balcony with elaborate lacework, original Baltic pine floorboards, arched hallways on both levels, decorative frieze artistry, delicate cornice work, and period light fittings and chandeliers.

Alive with personality, additional features include a ground-floor bathroom/powder room, laundry with storage and bench space, secure intercom entry and alarm, substantial under-stairs storage, high-walled privacy, hydronic heating, and split-system air-conditioning upstairs and down.

Perfectly positioned, walk to Brighton Beach trains, Were Street cafes, leading Melbourne schools, and golden sands on the local foreshore. Last changing hands in 1987, this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to become the newest custodian of this character-rich property. A Bayside lifestyle does not get any better than this!

At a glance...

* 3 large bedrooms, palatial main with open fireplace, walk-in robes and private ensuite

* Sparkling kitchen with high-quality Siemens appliances, granite surfaces, island bench, and ample storage

* Sitting room with open fireplace

* Formal dining room with open fireplace

* Air-conditioned and light-filled family dining area with access to verandah

* Upstairs sitting room with balcony access and open fireplace

* Skylit home office

* Downstairs period-perfect bathroom with walk-in shower

* Upstairs bathroom with a bath and walk-in shower

* Separate upstairs WC

* Large laundry with bench and storage

* Wraparound balcony with Port Phillip Bay and Brighton Beach Oval views

* Paul Bangay-designed front garden with a striking centrepiece Italianate fountain

* Remote-controlled 6-car garage with storage capability and access from Mair Street

* Paved rear courtyard

* Storage under stairs

* Intercom entry

* Secure alarm

* Hydronic heating and split-system heating/cooling over both levels

* Roman blinds and textured drapery

* Recessed down-lighting

* Extensive Victorian period features throughout

* Moments from the beach, parkland, schools, shopping, transport and restaurants