19 Goldthorns Avenue, KewVIC

Hidden beyond a veil of lush native gardens, this English-cottage-styled period home is a serene sanctuary blending contemporary luxury with stunning views to the King Lake Ranges. Winning the Royal Victorian Industry of Architecture ‘Ideal Homes Competition’ in 1930, this Keith Reid design was home to the revered architect for 63 years. Today, the home has been extended and modernised, maintaining its founding concepts of light-filled spaces and a seamless indoor-outdoor connection.

Enveloped by 10-foot ceilings and hardwood floors, the home is introduced by a spacious entry hall, leading to a classic lounge room, adorned with an elegant open fireplace and light sconces in graceful Art Deco style. An open plan family and dining room is a casual space for everyday living, capturing breathtakingly leafy views to the northern horizon through floor-to-ceiling windows. A separate skylit kitchen easily caters with a full appointment of appliances including a 6-burner Highlander cooktop, while smartly dressed in glossy customised drawer storage and gleaming stone bench tops.

The free-flowing layout integrates both living zones for en-masse celebrations, stretching onto a wide deck for sun-drenched indoor-outdoor entertaining. An enchanting garden setting below is a secluded haven for alfresco relaxation, bathed in northern sun and brimming with vegetable beds and fruit trees.

The accommodation is segregated for private respite, providing two generous bedrooms downstairs, separated by a retro-styled bathroom and a laundry, including a luxe master bedroom with a walk-in robe and private ensuite. Upstairs, two further bedrooms incite rest against glittery neighbourhood vistas, sharing a modern bathroom.

Finished with oodles of under-house storage including the original laundry with potential as a studio workshop, home office, or kids’ retreat; the home’s forward-thinking thermal design is updated with modern luxuries, including comfort glazing throughout, split system air-conditioning, hydronic heating, a 5000-litre water tank, and a security alarm.