A landmark South Yarra house at 36 Davis Avenue

36 Davis Avenue, South Yarra
$5 million-plus
3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 car spaces
Built circa 1890, renovated 2014
Expressions of Interest closing 3pm, Tuesday October 27
Inspect Saturday noon-12.30pm
Agent RT Edgar, Jeremy Fox 0418 339 650

Melbourne in its full spring bloom is a magnificent sight and many of our best properties come bursting into its flattering light. South Yarra is always going to throw up some of the most impressive; welcome to Davis Avenue.

It starts with the excellent elevation – a garage and terraced garden creating the loft upon which the house sits. Inside there’s a wonderful sight line from the entry hallway to the spectacular rear section, but first to the fine original front rooms. To the left is a sublime bedroom that boasts lovely views over the garden as well as an august, dark marble fireplace.

Wind around from here into the walk-in robe and brilliant en suite, with another marble fireplace sitting in lovely contrast to the new marble vanity and sleek lines. This bathroom can be accessed via the hallway too. Across to the right is the formal living room that features the classic fireplace column that splits it from the stylish dining room behind.

The best thing about this room is the brilliant terrace created by that garage below. You could imagine wafting out of the living room into the balmy evening trailing a diaphanous frock, martini in hand. Heading towards the rear the house expands and introduces one of the sharpest open plans we’ve seen for some time.

But first, let’s look down, to see what it is that underpins all this superb style.The near 40-centimetre width of the floorboards here is impressive enough without learning the timber was salvaged from the destruction of a South American cyclone. Now here they are, buffed and beautiful in South Yarra. Funny old world.

They have not been let down by what sits atop them; a splendid kitchen with a carved marble island bench, crisp white cabinetry, contrasting with a dark wall of storage, marble splashbacks and a stainless steel preparation bench. In front the living space faces a beautiful hearth with the dining area mid centre and over in the corner, an astonishing bar comes complete with wine fridges, beer tap and a window over the sparkling back garden.

Beyond the thoroughly impressive living room wall of stacked glass windows you come out to the paved, private space with swimming pool, built-in barbecue and automated awning should that north-east sun get too intense. Upstairs it’s just as good; a large retreat precedes two excellent bedrooms, the main with striking walk-in wardrobe and en suite, the second bedroom boasting its own bathroom too. Both share a long, rear balcony that just adds to the whole luxe South Yarra vibe.

Need to know: last traded for: $2.6 million in January 2012. Highest recorded house price in South Yarra (last 12 months) $12 million for 74 Caroline Street in October 2014. Recent sales: $2.36 million for 42 Tivoli Road in September 2015, $2.23 million for 28 Cunningham Street in September 2015, $1.61 million for 26 Moore Street in September 2015.

Room for Improvement: add a Sierra Nevada pale ale to the bar taps.