Blairgowrie: The quiet achiever offering the perfect mix of coast and country

On the western spur of Victoria’s famed Mornington Peninsula, Blairgowrie is a quiet achiever that offers a relaxed alternative to the bustle of neighbouring towns like Portsea and Sorrento, anchored by its small village charm and love for all things outdoors.

Reachable in just an hour and a half’s drive from Melbourne’s CBD, this seaside locale presents the perfect balance of coastal and country living.

On the one hand, time could be spent between its bay and ocean beaches and sailing from the beloved Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron.

But, on the other hand, a mere 30-minute drive can have you in the Peninsula’s hinterland, with its legion of renowned vineyards in a European setting.

While the trend of Melburnians fleeing to the Mornington Peninsula for space to breathe is nothing new, recent years have seen a rise in those taking advantage of remote working arrangements – a contributing factor to Blairgowrie’s 23.7 per cent jump in its median house price over the past year.

It now sits at $1.67 million, according to Domain’s latest House Price Report.

“Over the years, more and more people are selling their Melbourne family homes to move here, often retaining their connection with a city apartment, while residing in Blairgowrie on a more semi-permanent basis,” says Josh Callaghan, managing director and auctioneer of Fletchers Mornington Peninsula.

“Still, though, the general demographic of permanent residents in the area are retirees and absentee owners of holiday homes.”

With beaches on both Port Phillip Bay and Bass Strait, and the jaw-dropping walking trails of the Mornington Peninsula National Park, Blairgowrie encourages plenty of time spent lapping up the great outdoors.

“These notable landscapes are, and always will be, the drawcards for affluent buyers who are eager to soak up these magnificent natural attractions,” Callaghan says.

“Generally speaking, all age brackets will reap much from the area, whether it be enjoying the town’s village-like commercial hub, teeing up at one of the many five-star golf courses, or crisscrossing through the peninsula’s wonderful wine region.”

Blairgowrie’s small but prominent commercial hub reveals a lineup of trendy, locally run businesses, like that of Beach to Bar Wear, owned and operated by Karlie Crow.

“I originally opened as a pop-up store over summer, and five years later, we are still here,” she says.

“Our tiny village proudly boasts the absence of the mainstream, with perfectly curated shops and cafes that are friendly and welcoming – sandy toes and all.”

Crow lives in Melbourne on a part-time basis and calls Blairgowrie her “happy place”.

She holds many childhood memories of holidays, such as her dad digging holes in the sand where she would sit “sandy, salty, and brown as a berry”, and making friends on the beach that would last a lifetime.

Crow has enjoyed providing these same experiences to her own family.

“These days, our favourite activities include a Saturday morning visit at Blairgowrie Cafe, a walk along the beach track to Sorrento and back, and a quick shop to see what’s new in the bespoke boutiques,” she says.

“We also love sunset drinks at Bonny and dinners at Panda — but then again, curling up on the sofa at home in front of the fire with a local pinot bottle recommended by our gourmet IGA is always just as delightful.”

One to watch

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12-14 Munro Street, Blairgowrie VIC 3942

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This stylish entertainer is beautifully designed in harmony with its prestigious oceanside address and stretches out across two titles.

Just a stone’s throw from the beach, it features generous living areas that spill out to an expansive poolside pavilion.