The hills are alive in Melbourne's north-east

Melbourne’s outer north-eastern suburbs are arguably among the city’s most underrated.

With significant protected open space and large family houses within easy commuting distance of the CBD, this pocket of urban bushland is a haven of architectural gems, culture and nature.

Previously dominated by established families and those seeking a tree change for retirement, more buyers priced out of the city’s inner-north and south-east are expanding their search to the north-eastern suburbs of Eltham, Greensborough, Diamond Creek, and Warrandyte.

“Over the past few years, we have certainly seen a strong migration of buyers from both the eastern suburbs such as Doncaster and Balwyn crossing the Yarra River, and also from the highly dense northern suburbs who certainly see value in coming slightly further out,” says Tom Kurtschenko, director of Barry Plant Eltham.

“Buyers who expand their property search to the north-eastern suburbs will find an affordable range of properties for both first home buyers, to those seeking a rural lifestyle on multiple acres, without sacrificing access to good schools, public transport and shopping precincts,” says Vicki Gardiner, director of Warrandyte based agency Gardiner McInnes.

Eltham in particular is a goldmine of mid-century, mud-brick homes designed by the likes of the firm Merchant Builders and mud-brick wizard Alistair Knox, distinctive in their use of natural materials and response to the environment.

Knox’s legacy is a continuing and defining feature of the Eltham landscape, having designed hundreds of homes and buildings including the warehouse site of one of the suburb’s most popular cafes, Second Home. The local library was built in Knox’s signature mud-brick materials, and the Alistair Knox Reserve is named in his honour.

The original condition of Knox’s buildings and the high proportion of other architecturally significant houses in the area can be partly attributed to the “green wedge” status that covers the south-eastern part of Eltham, parts of Diamond Creek, Hurstbridge, North Warrandyte and Park Orchards. The title means the land carries government protection, making subdivision and new developments heavily restricted.

“Family buyers coming out certainly appreciate the larger blocks, high-quality schooling and the feeling of space at significantly lower prices,” Kurtschenko says.

Recent movers have encouraged new inner-city cafe owners and small businesses to establish themselves in the area. Even for those who don’t live nearby, there are several cafes to inspire a Sunday drive for brunch, followed by a walk along the Yarra. Try the Eltham cafes Little Drop of Poison or Zen Den.

Ask a north-eastern local their favourite thing about home, and nine times out of 10 you’ll hear the “laid-back lifestyle”. With many locals having established themselves in the area in the 1970s, modern Eltham maintains its casual lifestyle with an artsy undertone.

Founded in 1934, the artist community Montsalvat remains in the suburb today, showcasing the exhibitions of resident artists alongside its acclaimed onsite restaurant.

Why we moved

Secondary teacher David MacGregor and graphic designer Marie MacGregor moved to Eltham from Hughesdale 12 months ago.

“We had a beautifully renovated three-bedroom semi-detached 1920s cottage in Hughesdale and lovely neighbours, but one of the main drivers for us to move to Eltham was the value in land and home sizes,” David MacGregor says.

“We basically got double the house and the garden for a lower price than our Hughesdale home, and only around five to six kilometres further out of the CBD.”

The established architecture of the north-east was a drawcard for the couple when seeking a modernist-style home in their price range.

“We didn’t want anything pedestrian and those great homes with architectural features are often hotly contested,” MacGregor says.

“Eltham was built just at the right time that there is so much of that style on offer, [through to] the 1980s homes.”

The couple’s lifestyle has completely changed as a result of the move, and includes weekly visits to the nearby St Andrews Market, regular dog walks on the well-planned streets, and gardening in their home’s sustainable, native garden.

“We are huge proponents of living a clean and organic life. Moving to Eltham has just elevated that aspect and given us so much more than a traditional suburb can,” MacGregor says.

Cover property

93 Arthur Street, Eltham
$3 million-plus
Private sale
Barry Plant, Tom Kurtschenko 0417 502 944

Among the outer-suburban streets of Eltham you’ll find the meticulously maintained and private Kinloch Gardens Estate, held by its original family owners for more than 70 years.

The estate’s slate-roofed manor home covered in vines and colonial-style windows offers an old-world charm rarely seen in an Australian house.

Set across three storeys, the slate, parquetry and polished timber floors are contrasted with black wood wall panelling, Tudor carved-stone fireplaces and high-beamed ceilings.

On the ground floor, the charming living rooms open onto terraces with shaded pergolas.

The first floor contains the main bedroom suite with another expansive living room, library, study, bathroom, and three additional bedrooms.

The secluded hilltop location covers 5560 square metres of land, with panoramic views across the garden’s lawn areas, native trees, and rose garden beds.

The carport provides parking for three cars with storage and workrooms at either end.

Included with the property is a large studio ideal for office or recreational use.

Did you know?

• Eltham is home to Australia’s oldest artists’ community, Montsalvat, established in the 1930s.
• The development of the mud-brick movement began in Eltham, which is considered to be Australia’s most important mud-brick region.
• Despite his architectural influence on the region, Alistair Knox was not a qualified architect. He is believed to have designed almost 1000 homes in the area.
• The median house price in Eltham has risen from $550,000 in 2010 to $735,000 in 2016. During the same period in Warrandyte, prices have risen from $670,000 to more than $1.1 million today.

Or try these …

10 Diosma Road, Eltham
$2 million-plus

Known as the Choong House, this Biltmoderne (Roger Wood, Randal Marsh and Dale Evans) designed residence won the 1987 RAIA Victorian Merit Award for Outstanding Architecture.

Private sale
Barry Plant, Jamin Silluzio 0411 655 391

3 Yarra View Court, Warrandyte
$800,000-$860,000

Set among the treetops and native wildlife is this five-bedroom, three bathroom cedar house.

Private sale
Gardiner McInnes, Vicki Gardiner 0427 310 512

46 Osborne Rd, Warrandyte
$1.45 million

This tropical-inspired property has five bedrooms, a separate studio, tennis court and gated access to the Yarra River.

Private sale
Morrison Kleeman, Graham Morrison 0417 101 997