PROPERTY OF THE WEEK: 5 Hume Avenue, Wentworth Falls

Wentworth Falls and its environs are some of the most sought-after regions in the Blue Mountains. Known for its resplendent beauty and historic charm, the suburb offers an idyllic lifestyle that many dream of. With its serene environment, easy access to amenities, and rich history, it’s a location that offers both convenience and tranquillity.

This property at 5 Hume Avenue, known as “Ryeworth”, offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of history. This stunning north-facing, high-set, single-level, circa 1879 character cottage is steeped in local history and embodies everything you love about mountain retreats.

The first thing to be noted about this historic four-bedroom, three-bathroom cottage is its meticulous preservation and modern updates, which create a harmonious blend of old-world charm and contemporary comfort. Privately set on an enormous 2,666sqm block, the property is approved for sub-division, offering future owners the potential to create additional living spaces or even new homes on the land.

Elegantly appointed living spaces include two king-sized bedrooms with fireplaces, the primary with an ensuite. The formal lounge and dining rooms each feature their own fireplaces, adding to the home’s antiquated appeal. The third bedroom includes a built-in robe, and the home also boasts a generous kitchen and family bathroom. At the rear, the fourth bedroom, third bathroom, and laundry provide versatile living options.

The home’s features are a testament to its period allure: a timber-panelled country-style kitchen with a feature original wood-fired cooker, quality stainless steel appliances with natural gas cooktop, and a walk-in pantry. Central heating, a wood-burning combustion fireplace, and three open fireplaces ensure comfort throughout. Gorgeous period features include soaring 10.5-foot ceilings with ceiling roses and ornate cornices, timber floors with tall skirtings, chair rails, timber windows, leadlight and French timber doors, pull cord lights, and federation brass switches.

The front bullnose veranda is the perfect place to relax and watch the world go by, while the large rear undercover area is ideal for family BBQs and entertaining friends. The established gardens are easy to maintain, and the grassy 2,666sqm fenced yard with two street frontages (rear vehicle access via Fitzstubbs Ave), double carport, and two garden sheds, approved for sub-division (1300sqm & 1366sqm lots), offers a myriad of possibilities.

For those who have been searching for the right home opportunity, “Ryeworth” could signal the end of your search. Located in one of Wentworth Falls’ most picturesque and sought-after streets, it’s a historic gem with modern conveniences.

—

Address: 5 Hume Avenue, Wentworth Falls, NSW

Price guide: On Request

Agent: Glen Power (0413 330 949)

A bold architectural statement in Melbourne’s inner east, this unique Glen Iris home marries sculptural design with sophisticated family living in a remarkable real estate relationship.

Conceived by Pandolfini Architects, with interiors by Lisa Buxton, the custom-built four-bedroom, two-level home was crafted for its current owners but is now coming to market for the first time.

Listed via an expressions-of-interest campaign with Marshall White agents Rae and Hugh Tomlinson and Mandy Zhu, 8 Erica Ave is on the market with price expectations of $7.5 million to $8 million.

Its dramatic street appeal sets the tone for what’s to come, because beyond the contemporary façade sits a modern residence unlike any other.

Pandolfini’s team brief was to create an inviting home made from hard-wearing materials, with a palette inspired by ancient ruins and old industrial buildings.

The result is striking, cantilevered terracotta brickwork and a patinated copper-screened exterior that borrows hues from the classic neighbouring cottages.

One within the home, the Erica Ave property unfolds across three interconnected pavilions positioned along the deep block. Long gallery hallways are framed by floor-to-ceiling glass to showcase garden and pool views, making the most of the 886 sq m site.

Raw, heavily textured walls create an industrial aesthetic inside and out, while curious “upside-down” arched windows introduce a creative architectural twist.

At the heart of the home, the central living and dining zone is divided by a sculptural fireplace rendered in hard plaster. High barn-style spotted gum timber ceilings rise above bush-hammered concrete walls with Roman travertine floors, and American oak joinery.

In the marble kitchen, there are premium Wolf and Miele appliances, a butler’s pantry, an integrated study nook, and a bespoke curved window that wraps around a custom-made banquette dining space.

Walls of glass frame the north-facing terrace where a heated swimming pool and spa are enveloped by private landscaped gardens with an integrated barbecue setting.

Within the front pavilion, the large parents’ retreat features built-in and walk-in wardrobes, a dresser, and a travertine ensuite with a freestanding bathtub, rain shower, and a dual-marble vanity. Also on the ground floor is a second bedroom and a media room with a built-in daybed and a picture window overlooking the yard.

One floor up via the curved staircase with skylight, there are two more bedrooms with terrazzo bathrooms, study spaces, and leafy outlooks.

Car enthusiasts not only have a single lock-up garage on Erica Ave, but an additional rear showroom-style five-car pavilion or grand studio accessed via Irymple Ave. It has a high vaulted ceiling, a concealed in-floor Maha car lift, a workbench, and a sink.

Added extras include a mud room, laundry with side access, in-floor heating and climate control within the engineered European oak floors, deluxe joinery, and CCTV security.

The Glen Iris home is within walking distance of Central Park Village, Harold Holt Swim Centre, and Gardiner Station, as well as popular schools including Sacré Cœur, Korowa, and Caulfield Grammar.

The Pandolfini-designed house at 8 Erica Ave, Glen Iris is listed with Marshall White for $7.5 million to $8 million via an expressions of interest campaign.

PROPERTY OF THE WEEK: 5 Hume Avenue, Wentworth Falls

Crafted by Pandolfini Architects with interiors by Lisa Buxton, the Glen Iris residence pairs industrial-inspired design with refined contemporary living and a five-car showroom pavilion.