Latest news with #Highton
News.com.au
13-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- News.com.au
Expat experience shapes striking Highton home by architect Lachlan Shepherd
Architecturally designed, blending nature with contemporary elegance, this four-bedroom home is an example of masterful planning and construction. For the vendor, ensuring that the home catered to his family's needs was at the top of the priority list when purchasing the large corner block (approx. 1200sq m) in Highton eight years ago. 'We were drawn to the area and this block with its potential for a combination of private, family-friendly living with amazing convenience,' the vendor says. 'With approximately 50m of no-through road practically to ourselves, it gave our young boys the freedom to safely skateboard, shoot hoops, and kick the footy with barely any traffic flow.' This vision carried over to 72 Stoneleigh Cres, Highton's design by Surf Coast architect, Lachlan Shepherd, and the build by Phil Jessen of Torquay Homes. 'Lachlan didn't just understand our brief; he intuitively grasped the lifestyle we envisioned after returning from living in Shanghai for several years,' the vendor says. 'We wanted a home that allowed us to spend more time living and less time maintaining. His response was inspired: a low-maintenance, enduring blend of Corten steel, concrete, and glass that delivers a sleek, contemporary aesthetic without sacrificing warmth or function.' The vendor says the vision was 'expertly brought to life by Phil Jessen of Torquay Homes,' resulting in 'a striking architectural statement that's every bit a comfortable, lasting family haven'. The haven – featuring 4.2m-high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, intelligent zoning, and immersive connection to nature – has allowed the family of four to make lasting memories. 'From the start, this home was designed to be a place where memories are made. With two active boys immersed in sports and community life, it quickly became the go-to hub for birthdays, family gatherings, and countless casual catch-ups,' the vendor says. 'The layout and landscaping make entertaining effortless — whether it's a sunlit barbecue on the expansive silvertop ash deck, a poolside hangout that stretches into the evening, fireside chats by the pit, or backyard basketball on the in-ground trampoline and lawn.' With an array of impressive features, it's hard to choose favourites, the vendor says, but there are two that sit at the top of the list. 'The north-facing floor-to-ceiling double-glazed stacker doors and windows would have to top the list — they frame a panoramic outlook that shifts with the light and can be appreciated from virtually every corner of the home,' he says. 'In winter, the hydronic floor heating adds a quiet luxury — no fans, no dust, just a radiant warmth that rises from your toes to your head.' McGrath, Geelong agent Mergim Ibrahimi is handling the sale of 72 Stoneleigh Cres, Highton. Price hopes are $2.79m to $2.95m.
News.com.au
13-07-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Brewing enthusiasts channel pub vibe with cool bar at Highton home
Keen home brewers have taken their passion for beer to the next level, installing a tavern-like bar to recreate the pub experience at their Highton home. Built-in taps for two different ales set the scene for some memorable parties at 134 Mill Race Rd, Highton. Entertaining is central to the custom design of the three-bedroom, four-bathroom house that's just hit the market in the prestigious Rivergum precinct. Newtown reno wins region's top building award The $2.25m to $2.45m price tag also includes a resort-style back yard with solar-heated swimming pool, separate spa, barbecue area and a greenhouse. Geelong Real Estate Co. listing agent Simon Braybrook said the seven-year-old home, by Newling Builders, exuded quality. 'It is extremely high-end – it is one of these homes where to look at from the outside you can tell it's very good quality and well built, but it's actually the things that you can't see that make it even better,' he said. 'So things like the all the walls throughout the home have been soundproofed and there's extra insulation under the floor.' He said he could vouch for the quality of the brews on offer at the 'pretty special' bar. 'It's not just a case of having a bar there and pulling a beer out of the fridge, it's actually go two beer taps in it,' Mr Braybrook said. 'They do their own beers, they have their own taps, they should almost get a liquor licence it's that professional.' The crowd-pleasing feature forms part of a north-facing living and dining hub with high raked ceilings, highlight windows and a built-in Bose sound system. Stacker sliding doors link the space to the poolside deck, while upstairs a separate balcony off a soundproofed cinema room has views over the surrounding Barwon River reserve. The palatial main bedroom suite also has direct pool access and lush garden views, while each of the minor bedrooms has its own ensuite. An office with provision for a built-in wardrobe could serve as a fourth bedroom as the house has another study nook, as well as a triple garage with internal access and a kitchenette.
News.com.au
06-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- News.com.au
Luxury Highton makeover delivers grand entertainer for any occasion
Entertaining on a grand scale takes centre stage at this opulent Highton home set among lush manicured gardens. With a formal dining room accommodating up to 24 people for a sit-down dinner and a private outdoor terrace centred around a stone fireplace, the sprawling residence opens the door to almost any social occasion. It's the result of a painstaking two-year renovation by the vendors who set out to transform their dark and timber-heavy house into a luxurious, light-filled oasis big enough to host their large family. They extended the original footprint of 3 Scampton Court, Highton, in several places to create a sprawling five-bedroom home with three distinct living areas on the main level as well as a new downstairs rumpus room in space 'pinched' from the garage. 'It's practically a brand new house,' the vendor says. 'We have got lots of grandkids so we just wanted it to be a family home. The family fits (in the dining room) and we do a lot of entertaining so its an entertainer's house.' One of their biggest bugbears with the old design was the dark and dingy central kitchen where a light always needed to be turned on. By contrast, the new kitchen and meals area sits under a 6m-high ceiling with clerestory windows that flood the room with light. The old timber and black granite finishes have been replaced with a large quartzite island bench with an insinkerator, as well as premium appliances including a Gaggenau oven tower, steam oven, 900mm induction cooktop, a discrete built-in Liebherr fridge/freezer and a butler's pantry. A brass motif on glass-fronted cupboards is another lavish touch that's repeated in the corner bar off the nearby living area. The outdoors beckons in the adjoining formal dining room, where multiple sets of French doors link to covered area with a built-in barbecue and the beautiful terraced garden. While the flat lawn area is popular with younger family members, the vendors say everyone gravitates to the feature open fireplace. A second living space, with a vaulted ceiling and wraparound windows framing garden views on three sides, is another favourite hangout. It oozes luxury thanks to a marble fireplace, custom cabinetry, herringbone timber flooring, a modern chandelier with matching wall sconces and Lane Kelly drapes. In addition to the main bedroom with its Carrara marble ensuite, the house has a second guest retreat with its own sitting area, walk-in wardrobe, ensuite and private entrance. 'I thought as our parents got older … if a nurse was needed to come, external access would be handy,' the vendor says. 'Even for teenage or a parents' retreat, it's multipurpose.' The 1215sq m package also includes dual driveways, a double garage and a storage room. Jellis Craig Geelong agent Marcus Falconer is handling the sale of 3 Scampton Court, Highton. Price hopes are $2.795m to $2.995m.
News.com.au
04-07-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Geelong: The best time to sell in your suburb revealed
New data blowing the myth that spring is the best time to sell your house reveals when homes in each Geelong suburb achieves top dollar. The Ray White research found a handful of major Geelong suburbs scored their best prices in the spring months of September, October and November. The research, analysing 10 years worth of residential property sales to detail the months with the highest and lowest median home prices for 77 localities across the Geelong region, reveals February, March and April were the best time to sell in many areas. Ray White chief economist Nerida Conisbee said while improving weather and a season where gardens can look their best made sense for many people, the research revealed the drawbacks of selling at the busiest time of the year. 'It makes sense. People traditionally like to sell in spring is because their homes look better and they want to get in before Christmas,' Ms Conisbee said. 'All these things lead to a higher level of activity in spring. 'But the reality is that trying to sell in a very busy market or a very well supplied market is a bit more challenging, so selling at other times can make sense.' The data revealed homes in Highton, central Geelong, Rippleside and St Albans Park scored their best results in spring. Among the 15 areas where the best prices were in spring were areas such as Lethbridge and Bannockburn, Curlewis and Charlemont and Fairhaven and Anglesea on the Surf Coast. January was the best month to sell in coastal areas such as Bellbrae, Breamlea and St Leonards, along with inner city Geelong West and South Geelong, the research revealed. February, March and April were the best months for 32 suburbs, including Lara, Corio and Bell Park in the north, to Grovedale, Newtown and Leopold and Torquay and Ocean Grove on the coast. Ray White Lara agent Matthew Wade-Taylor said sellers faced more competition for buyers in busier spring months. 'A lot of people do want to go to the market in spring. They think the weather's great, the plants, the garden, everything's looking perfect,' he said. 'Coming into spring, you've got a lot more competition you're working against. 'I'm seeing a little bit more of a spike in the cooler months. There's not a lot on the market, therefore, the competitions with the buyers.' But Mr Wade-Taylor said most buyers don't pay much attention to when they sell. 'I always say to my clients, the best time to go to the market is when you're ready.' While winter was the best time to sell in Armstrong Creek and Belmont, the research revealed the season was the slowest market for many suburbs, with 17 recording their lowest median sale prices in August, followed by 14 in August. Ray White Highton agent George Politis said quiet months such as June can be strong. 'People will go after that house that might be 90 per cent correct for them, rather than the 100 per cent, so they'll accommodate what's on the market at that time,' Mr Politis said. 'At spring, you've got an influx of homes, so the buyers' desires are a little bit more fluid because of instead of looking at say five properties, they are looking at 15 during the spring market.' THE BEST TIME TO SELL IN YOUR SUBURB Suburb High Price Month High Price Low Price Month Low Price Geelong West January $845,000 June $685,000 South Geelong January $882,500 March $575,000 Lara February $640,000 September $585,000 Waurn Ponds February $713,000 January $609,000 Barwon Heads March $1,330,000 July $945,000 Bell Post Hill March $590,000 June $485,000 Corio March $415,000 July $370,000 Grovedale March $599,000 September $510,000 Leopold March $595,000 June $526,000 Newcomb March $525,000 October $430,000 Ocean Grove March $850,000 August $735,000 Whittington March $480,000 December $360,000 Queenscliff March $1,320,500 December $805,000 Drysdale April $690,000 June $590,000 Hamlyn Heights April $645,000 August $547,000 Indented Head April $815,000 July $560,000 Newtown April $1,010,000 January $840,000 Torquay April $1,045,000 July $860,000 Manifold Heights April $940,000 August $760,000 Mount Duneed May $710,000 September $641,000 Lorne June $1,675,000 August $860,000 Armstrong Creek June $650,000 January $615,000 Belmont June $630,000 July $557,000 Aireys Inlet August $1,420,000 July $735,000 Apollo Bay September $825,000 July $565,000 St Albans Park September $505,000 January $442,000 Rippleside September $1,185,000 December $775,000 Fairhaven October $1,850,000 February $1,000,000 Bannockburn October $680,000 December $575,000 Curlewis October $650,000 January $581,000 Anglesea November $1,200,000 September $795,000 Geelong November $885,000 June $730,000 Highton November $767,000 August $715,000 Wandana Heights December $895,000 July $725,000 East Geelong December $710,000 April $620,000
News.com.au
29-06-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Luxury Highton home beats $3m in landmark sale
A luxurious five-bedroom home near Buckleys Falls at Highton has beaten $3m in a rising area of the suburb. The voluminous two-storey residence constructed by custom builder Signature Homes Geelong sold for $3.1m recently, after first hitting the market last spring. Belle Property agent Maree Corda brokered the deal at 50 Rivergum Drive with local business owners who were looking to upgrade in Highton. Burnett family lists Geelong pub after 45 years She said the seven-year-old residence was initially offered off-market, with a number of taking private inspections before the listing went live to the public with $3.15m to $3.35m hopes, later sharpened to a $3.1m single price. 'We had a couple of people genuinely interested throwing figures in the low $2m range,' Ms Corda said. 'The buyers are local Highton people who want to stay in Geelong and upgrade.' The home provides 58 squares of living space, on a 959sq m corner block overlooking the Barwon River. The home offers palatial living with quality finishes and high ceilings, including Italian and German fixtures and dramatic designer lighting enhances the voluminous space. A floating staircase connects the levels, while large windows allow natural light to flood the home, with metal louvres fitted to ensure climate control indoors. The Nobilia kitchen has Dekton benchtops, integrated Liebherr appliances and a butler's pantry and laundry fitted with premium appliances. The living and dining areas have with double-glazed doors, electric blinds and ducted heating and cooling. A protected outdoor area adjacent to the pool is equipped with outdoor kitchen prep area, an imported pizza oven, barbecue, and bar fridge. Ms Corda said the fully automated pool with bubble jets, lighting, and year-round heating, adds a resort-like ambience. The 4-car garage has a custom 6m roller door, 360-degree camera system, backup battery, and Sons-integrated speakers, with additional storage with internal plumbing. The property is the second multimillion-dollar sale in Highton in 2025, beaten by a luxury 2529sq m Willowfield Court estate that hit $5.5m in March. Highton's $875,000 median house price is nearly 5 per cent lower than the same time last year.
