96 Yarra St, Abbotsford, sold more than $340,000 above expectations.
A “history lesson” house that blended 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 abode in the 1860s, before a Victorian-era extension was added a few decades later.
The current owner took it a step further, extending at the rear with a Japanese-inspired expanse that boasts a tree-lined courtyard.
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Biggin Scott agent Andrew Crotty said three bidders pursued the “romantic” home from a $1.7m opening offer until it was called on the market at $1.85m.
But two refused to let it go, and the sale price soared to $2.196m.
”I’ve not seen that often,” Mr Crotty said.
While the price was a surprise, the agent said the demand for the home was not.
”It’s definitely not your cookie cutter home, it had a very romantic feel,” 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.”
![96 Yarra St, Abbotsford - for herald sun real estate](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 1280 720"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The original bluestone building is sandwiched between the home’s two extensions.
Japanese style inspirations include dark timber joinery and the trees in the courtyard.
All three of the groups pursuing the property were looking to move into the home.
A downsizer was among the underbidders, but it was a couple looking to upsize that claimed the keys.
The sellers were thrilled with the result after 26 years living at the address.
Meanwhile, five bidders pushed the sale of 80 Powlett St, Altona Meadows, more than $60,000 past its reserve.
Ray White Point Cook’s Bilal Kahn said with five active bidders offers started at $595,000, but rose so fast it was only called on the market just before it sold at $705,000.
“I went in to confirm it was on the market at $640,000, and when I got back it was already at $690,000,” Mr Kahn said.
“It took maybe 30 seconds. It’s standing out as one of the fastest I have seen in some time.”
80 Powlett St, Altona Meadows, sold in a speedy auction where bids surged in seconds.
Light and bright interiors helped attract multiple buyers looking for their first or next home.
All of the bidders for the home were young couples looking for a home to live in — with the usual investors not participating.
With plenty of 1980s charm intact despite a few updates, Mr Kahn said it had the eye of people attracted by the extended driveway.
Owner Shadey and his wife and three-year-old son were thrilled by the sale as they prepare for an upsize with more land.
“But it was a bit nerve-racking, we were watching from the front room inside,” he said.
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