Royal Park environs connecting quickly and easily to vibrant Sydney Road and Melbourne's hospitals and university precincts create an idyllic setting for this substantial five bedroom, 2.5 bathroom Californian bungalow on a lush and leafy, north-facing rear garden allotment (622 sqm approx.). Set back and elevated with handy off-street parking, a classic tuckpointed brick façade with a relaxing veranda reflects the original refinement retained throughout before a spacious double-storey rear extension capturing streams of natural light and glorious garden views. Featuring solar electricity, monitored alarm system and high-speed FTTP internet, this exceptional family home reveals a richly detailed hallway lined with plate rails, panelling and a decorative ceiling that extends on polished hardwood floorboards to an elegant lounge room with a leadlight bay window and gas log fireplace, alongside a large formal dining room. Ground-floor accommodation complemented by a superbly-renovated central bathroom comprises of a huge main bedroom with beautiful bay window and built-in robes as well as a versatile second bedroom with storage, while located upstairs accompanied by a powder room, linen press and evaporative cooling are 3 oversized bedrooms with each including built-in robes. An additional bathroom with a bathtub plus a full laundry and under-stair storage/cellaring further enhance a flexible layout where a light-filled, open-plan living and dining room tailored for family life and effortless entertaining with wide bifold doors, flows to a modern kitchen with stainless-steel appliances, abundant storage and a breakfast island. A seamless transition to an expansive pergola-covered deck makes for effortless indoor-outdoor enjoyment backed by secure open lawn and layers of greenery creating a densely-screened garden oasis of peaceful, sun-drenched privacy. Also including a split-system air-conditioner, Rinnai floor heater, ornate ceilings and a garage/storeroom, this captivating residence is a family sanctuary of impressive character and proportions offering a prized inner-city lifestyle near Sydney Road cafes and restaurants, Union and Barkly Square shopping, No.58 trams, Royal Park station, walking trails, Melbourne Zoo, schools, the University of Melbourne, major hospitals and CityLink freeway.
