Moonee Ponds 1930s home smashes price hopes

This character-filled Moonee Ponds home with a poolside pavilion just soared $250,000 above price hopes in a fierce $3.1m auction battle.

Two families went toe-to-toe in a bidding war over a Moonee Ponds home with its own poolside studio and outdoor kitchen, pushing the price more than $250,000 past its price guide to claim Melbourne’s top auction result of the weekend.

The property at 4 Blair St had $2.65m-$2.85m price hopes but soared to $3.105m under the hammer, as fierce competition erupted between two families over the five-bedroom home.

Built in the 1930s, the clinker brick residence combines original character features with updated family luxuries, including multiple living areas, a teen retreat, dual driveways and manicured gardens.

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McDonald Upton Essendon auctioneer Milo Rasinac said the home was always going to draw big interest, but the auction confirmed it.

“There wasn’t a comparable property in that tightly held Moonee Ponds pocket,” Mr Rasinac said.

“This one was different, and that’s exactly why we took it to auction.

“Just doing a set price (guide) just wouldn’t have done it justice.”

A classic 1930s clinker brick facade hints at the home’s rich heritage, and was a key drawcard for buyers chasing timeless charm.

Light-filled and spacious, the open-plan zone connects effortlessly to the outdoor entertaining pavilion, perfect for growing families.

Mr Rasinac said the buyers, two families, pushed well beyond their budgets in pursuit of the rare offering.

“They absolutely fell in love with it and went hard,” he said.

Key features included a solar-heated saltwater pool, fully self-contained outdoor pavilion with kitchen and bathroom, and off-street parking for four cars, all behind secure electric gates.

Inside, the main home features stone flooring, top-end appliances, leadlight windows, and four skylights in the upper retreat.

Tucked under angled ceilings, the upstairs retreat adds versatility for teenagers or multigenerational living.

One of five bedrooms, the upper-level sleeping quarters offer privacy, architectural interest and treetop outlooks.

A terrazzo porch and decorative ceilings nod to its 1930s origins, while the modern layout suited growing or extended families.
The McDonald Upton Essendon auctioneer said the home didn’t need to be a new build or an architecturally redesigned showpiece to get the price that it did.

“It wasn’t a new build or an architecturally redesigned showpiece, but it didn’t need to be,” Mr Rasinac said.

“It was immaculately kept, move-in ready and full of character. That’s incredibly rare on a block this size in Moonee Ponds.”

The sleek central bathroom pairs functionality with modern finishes, one of three bathrooms across the home and outdoor studio.

A central kitchen fitted with stone surfaces, high-end appliances and a skylight overhead anchors the home’s heart.

The agent praised the seller for her attention to detail in preparing the home for sale.

“Full credit to seller, she absolutely nailed it,” he said.

“She took it to another level, and that effort translated directly into the result.”

An elegant terrazzo porch and leadlight front door set the tone, blending heritage details with family comfort.

The formal sitting room is crowned by a striking chandelier and decorative ceilings, a nod to the home’s 1930s origins.

Mr Rasinac said while the home’s design and versatility impressed, its location was the ultimate clincher.

“The layout, the lifestyle appeal, all big drawcards. But the location? That’s what gave it the wow factor,” he said.

“This was triple-A, no question.”

Set near the Maribyrnong River, Queens Park and major schools including PEGS and St Columba’s College, the home also offers easy access to Puckle St shops, cafes and trams.

Rich timber accents and period charm define the formal dining area, ideal for entertaining in classic style.

Mr Rasinac said activity had already spiked since the new financial year began.

“In just the past week, inquiry has jumped 30 to 35 per cent,” he said.

“The market is gearing up to surge. My advice to buyers? Don’t wait, or risk chasing it once it’s taken off.”

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