The quality of 13 Lapin Grove, Wandana Heights, impressed buyers.
A Wandana Heights home that caught the eye of Geelong Cats player Shannon Neale has sold for $1.15m in a holiday period deal.
The key AFL forward inspected the split-level, three-bedroom house at 13 Lapin Grove several times.
But Ray White, Highton listing agent Ben Powe said it ultimately sold to an older out-of-town buyer who wanted to be closer to friends, family and the Barwon Valley golf course.
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Cats player Shannon Neale has been househunting. Picture: Mark Stewart
With no lawnmower required at the 550sq m property, it offers the ultimate lock and leave lifestyle.
“He was looking in old Highton, near the river, but couldn’t get a newer, quality home,” Mr Powe said.
“He didn’t know much about Wandana Heights so he spent a fair bit of time looking at other properties and trying to suss out the area, but he loves the walking tracks there and obviously it’s reasonably close to Barwon Valley so it just felt right for him.”
The house sold near the top of its $1.08m to $1.18m asking range.
It was built by Signature Homes and features living rooms to both levels, each offering a gas log fireplace and access to an outdoor entertainment area.
The living room has raked ceilings and timber flooring.
The kitchen includes a butler’s pantry and glass splashback.
The ensuite has his and hers vanities.
The main open-plan zone features a raked ceiling, electric blinds and a modern, all-electric kitchen.
Mr Powe said the house was beautifully finished and presented, but had steep stairs that weren’t for everyone.
“It wasn’t going to suit probably older people and the backyard was quite small, so maybe not ideal for families, so it was always going to be a particular buyer,” he said.
Wandana Heights bounced back strongly in 2025, ending the year as a million-dollar suburb.
PropTrack data shows median house price jumped 13.2 per cent to $1.052m in the 12 months to December.
