Source : the age
Whether it’s a beachfront, a bush setting, a tree-lined street, or a home close to a reserve, living close to nature, with its clean air and spectacular views, can bring a whole host of benefits.
Research shows greenery can help cool homes and even improve mental health.
Here are five of the best homes where you can enjoy nature that are for sale in Melbourne.
182 Fitzroy Street, Fitzroy, VIC
Independent Hall is a landmark residence in Fitzroy, centred on a courtyard of mature greenery and stonework. At the heart of the home, the paved courtyard features walls of vines and hedges and includes a built-in barbecue.
The outdoor living area connects to the indoor entertaining zone via full-height folding glass doors.
The large windows capture natural light, while integrated technology, such as automated electric blinds and awnings, and a comprehensive CCTV security system, provide security and convenience.
42 Verdant Avenue, Toorak, VIC
This Toorak home is set on a quiet street, within beautifully landscaped gardens that offer privacy and a sense of calm.
The vine-draped pergola above the paved alfresco terrace provides a perfect all-year-round entertaining space that overlooks the evergreens, lawn and pool.
The interiors have been designed by interior architect Sophie Davies, with a European style that creates warm, practical living through features such as the double-sided fireplace.
50 Rosehill Road, Lower Plenty, VIC
At more than a hectare, this allotment features extensive greenery, established gardens and walkways, including a wooden bridge that crosses an ornamental lake.
Large windows and glass sliders connect indoor living to the outdoors. A spa bath offers a private garden outlook.
There is a free-form pool, a floodlit court, and dining and lounging spaces, complete with a wood-fired pizza oven, Sonos sound, and garden lighting that adds ambience to the outdoor living.
16 Knowles Street, Northcote, VIC
This period home is set close to Merri Creek trails and parkland, on an allotment of about 600 square metres.
The backyard is sunny and private, with a large alfresco area and a vine-covered arbour. It features fruit trees, a workshop, and a self-contained studio with an en suite bathroom.
The interior of the home is contemporary. It has hydronic heating, engineered timber and polished concrete floors, and a kitchen with a timber island bench and stainless-steel appliances.
6 Anderson Street, South Melbourne, VIC
This renovated two-storey Victorian heritage Hawthorn brick home is steps from Albert Park Lake.
Built about 1880, the home’s architectural updates utilise its northern orientation to bring in natural light. There are high ceilings and twin skylights in the open-plan living and dining, with a Cheminees Philippe wood-burning fireplace flanked by bifold doors that open to a deep landscaped garden and an entertaining terrace with a plumbed barbecue.
The property also features integrated study nooks, bespoke storage throughout, 100 per cent wool carpets, zoned heating and cooling, and a beautifully appointed laundry with a powder room, drying room and mudroom storage.
