Abbotsford house with Japanese extension sells for $2.2 million – realestate.com.au

A home with a “history lesson” that combined wings from the 1800s to the 2000s sold more than $340,000 above expectations yesterday.

The unique listing at 96 Yarra St, Abbotsford was originally built as a bluestone residence in the 1860s, before a Victorian-era extension was added a few decades later.

The current owner went one step further and expanded at the rear to include a Japanese-inspired expanse with a tree-lined courtyard.

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Biggin Scott agent Andrew Crotty said three bidders chased the “romantic” home from an opening bid of $1.7 million until it was put on the market for $1.85 million.

But two refused to let it go, and the sale price rose to $2,196 million.

“I haven’t seen that very often,” Mr. Crotty said.

While the price was a surprise, the agent said the demand for the house was not.

“It’s definitely not your cookie-cutter house, it had a very romantic feel to it,” Mr Crotty said.

‘It’s like a history lesson.

“And it’s quite beautiful, especially with the living area doors open and the cherry blossom trees in the courtyard.”

The original bluestone building is sandwiched between the two extensions of the house.

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Japanese style inspirations include dark wood joinery and the trees in the courtyard.

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All three groups pursuing the property wanted to move into the house.

Among the underbidders was a downsizer, but it was a couple looking to upsize that claimed the keys.

The sellers were enthusiastic about the result after 26 years of living at the address.

Meanwhile, five bidders pushed the sale of 80 Powlett St, Altona Meadows, more than $60,000 above reserve.

Bilal Kahn of Ray White Point Cook said bidding started at $595,000 with five active bidders, but rose so quickly that it was only put on the market just before it sold for $705,000.

“I went in to confirm it was on the market for $640,000, and when I came back it was already listed for $690,000,” Mr. Kahn said.

“It lasted maybe 30 seconds. It stands out as one of the fastest I’ve seen in a while.”

80 Powlett St, Altona Meadows, sold in a quick auction where bids rose within seconds.

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Light and bright interiors have helped attract several buyers looking for their first or next home.

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All the bidders on the house were young couples looking for a house to live in – with the usual investors not participating.

With plenty of ’80s charm intact despite a few updates, Mr. Kahn said it caught the attention of people drawn to the extended driveway.

Owner Shadey and his wife and three-year-old son were thrilled with the sale as they prepare to expand with more land.

“But it was a bit nerve-wracking, we were looking in from the front room,” he said.

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