Surrey Hills: Father’s goodbye to 129-year-old home where garden went from ‘barren’ to blooming – Beragampengetahuan

The circa-1895 house at 49 Essex Rd, Surrey Hills, went under the hammer on the weekend.

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David Bray says he felt a sense of “happy relief” when his Surrey Hills house sold on Saturday.

He bought the circa 1895 double-fronted home at 49 Essex Rd after falling in love with its “really nice, light-filled flow and character” almost two decades ago.

Mr Bray said he decided to sell because his children, aged 19 and 20, were becoming more independent through work and university.

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But he has many happy memories of spending time with his family at the home, especially outdoors which he transformed into an inviting garden.

“There was one shed and a bit of a barren backyard when we moved in,” Mr Bray said.

Apart from installing a swimming pool which has a “water wall” that shoots out a jet of spray, the keen gardener added paving, a cubbyhouse, more greenery, a lawn, fencing and an additional shed.

“I put in a fire pit which is especially wonderful in the autumn to enjoy with friends,” Mr Bray said.

The back garden was fairly empty when owner David Bray and his family first moved in …

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… and looks quite different today after Mr Bray set about transforming the outdoor area.

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The facade, pictured almost two decades ago, has also undergone quite a change.

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His children’s friends are also frequent visitors.

When she was younger, his daughter hosted “tent parties” in the rear garden with her friends.

“The backyard is quite deep and north-facing so, even in the depths of Melbourne’s winter, you get sunshine,” Mr Bray said.

His favourite room is the fourth bedroom, featuring stained-glass windows and French doors opening to a courtyard.

The kitchen boasts European appliances, wraparound benches, a breakfast bar and walk-in pantry.

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A high cathedral-style style in the living area.

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He began using the space as a study to work from home during the Covid pandemic.

Mr Bray said the house’s kitchen was renovated in 2022 and the bathroom in 2017.

He repainted outside and replaced the carpets before listing the home with a $1.9m to $2.09m price guide.

Another of the living spaces.

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Mr Bray’s children, now young adults, have enjoyed hosting their friends in the backyard across the years.

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Mr Bray said another highlight of living in the area was his “great neighbours”.

Residents of the street regularly catch up for dinner and visit each other.

Heavyside Real Estate director Tim Heavyside said two bidders took part in the auction, which began with a $1.9m vendor’s bid.

The bathroom includes a shower, bath, vanity and separate toilet.

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This was followed by a $1.925m offer from a bidder, and the property eventually sold for $2.15m.

Mr Heavyside said a family with two young children bought the house.

“They love the period features and the fact they can enjoy the lovely rear garden and pool with their relatives and friends,” he said.

Mr Heavyside said his agency had sold eight properties so far this year including four at auction with “some pretty good results” among them.

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