Timeless architectural homes and showstopping renovations have captivated buyers’ attention in 2024, dominating the list of Geelong’s most viewed properties.
A much-loved Newtown house offered for the first time since it was built in 1979 was the region’s most popular listing on realestate.com.au.
Selling agent James Wilson credits 13 Sylvan Court’s unique style with attracting almost 25,000 views during a five-month campaign.
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13 Sylvan Court, Newtown, has a versatile pool house with extra living space.
The home’s vaulted timber ceilings are back in vogue.
Architect Richard Lowe designed the split-level, five-bedroom house, which features Anakie bricks, timber cathedral ceilings and angular windows.
“It definitely pricked the interest of people that were into unique architecture,” Mr Wilson said.
“I think the sale really came down to the fact that the very best buyers for that property were people that didn’t want to change it in a wholesale way.”
The McGlashan Everist inspired house sold for $1.82m in May after attracting three buyers.
Mr Wilson said people more broadly were narrowing their online property searches to target homes with a pools or large land components.
Our online obsession with dreamy renovations continued in 2024, with luxury acreage properties also drawing a lot of eyeballs.
Here’s the rest of Geelong’s 10 most viewed listings, according to PropTrack.
36 Reigate Rd, Highton
The stunning renovation of this 1920s bungalow in Highton was the second most viewed property in the Geelong region this year.
A new north-facing rear pavilion is the centrepiece of the four-bedroom house which is designed around a landscaped outdoor entertainment area with a pool and open fireplace.
Listed for $2.3m to $2.5m, it sold for an undisclosed price through Oslo Property, Geelong agent Curtis Hoare in October.
42 Virginia St, Newtown
The luxury Newtown property certainly fits the unique listing brief, with two Victorian-era homes designed by renowned architect William Purnell now combined into one incredible offering.
The rear residence, fronting Roebuck St, has been rebuilt into a seven-car garage, office and rumpus room that complements the renovated five-bedroom house.
Despite attracting more than 23,000 views, it’s still on the market for $4m to $4.2m through Jodie Bliss.
3 Sheoak Court, Ocean Grove.
3 Sheoak Court, Ocean Grove
The popularity of Patricia Callan and Pete Bakacs’ long-running, now retired Modernist Australia blog translated to the couple’s own renovation in Ocean Grove.
The four-bedroom mid-century residence, originally designed by architect Eoin Barnett in 1979, stood out from the crowd with its sympathetic rear extension featuring blockwork, timber ceilings and custom joinery.
It sold for $1.3m in October.
2 Stephens Pde, Barwon Heads.
2 Stephens Pde, Barwon Heads
Racing car champion Paul Dumbrell bought this exclusive Barwon Heads property in 2020, and the one next door, with a view to demolishing both to make way for a $6m mansion.
When council knocked that plan back, he relisted the five-bedroom rammed earth house in March with $7.8m to $8.5m price hopes.
But strong online interest was enough to net a buyer and it was withdrawn from sale in July.
1223 Great Ocean Road, Big Hill.
1223 Great Ocean Road, Big Hill
With only a handful of clifftop homes on the beach side of the Great Ocean Road, it’s little wonder this coastal hideaway commanded attention.
The secluded corten steel residence has spectacular sea views and sits above a private beach.
It’s on the market for $3.65m through Great Ocean Road Real Estate, Lorne director Ian Stewart.
200 Coatsworth Rd, Portarlington.
192-218 Coatsworth Rd, Portarlington
Getting AFL legend Kevin Sheedy to help spruik this lavish Bellarine Peninsula lifestyle property during its original campaign earlier this year may have help boost its online views.
So too, the fact that the five-bedroom limestone house with a pool, tennis court and converted shearing shed is poised to shatter Portarlington records with its $6m-$6.5m price guide.
It’s on the market through Kerley’s Damian Cayzer and O’Brien agent John Rombotis.
Denise Pinot sold her renovated Birregurra farm house in March. Picture: Jason Edwards
95 Amiets Rd, Birregurra
This dreamy country retreat, home to a boutique day spa business, hit the market after owner, interior designer Denise Pinot and her partner moved to France to restore a chateau.
The 8.46ha property on the outskirts of Birregurra clearly provided inspiration for buyers contemplating their own lifestyle change.
Sadly it’s taken after selling for $1.21m in March.
8 Dederang Ave, Clifton Springs.
8 Dederang Ave, Clifton Springs
Pavilion Property Group listing agent Samuel Oxley said two contracts falling over led to a long campaign for this four-bedroom house.
The 768sq m property eventually sold for $590,000, a price that reflected the amount of work needed to bring it up to scratch.
“Why we got so many views and people through the door was that it was a four-bedroom home and it also backs onto the nature reserve, which was a huge selling point,” Mr Oxley said.
10 Wynfield Drive, Highton.
10 Wynfield Drive, Highton
A cul-de-sac address in a sought-after Highton pocket close the Barwon River had plenty of potential buyers clicking on this updated family home.
Highlights include an elevated north-facing deck with views back towards Corio Bay and a flexible layout with two living areas.
It was taken off the market earlier this year after a campaign lasting several months.
