9a Horton Close, Brighton
$2.25 million-plus
3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 car spaces
Expressions of interest closing at 5pm, on October 10
Inspect on Saturday, from 1.15pm-1.45pm and Thursday from 2.15pm-3pm
Follett & Co 9598 9111, Justin Follett 0405 996 822
If empty nesters let their dogs choose where to downsize to, this is exactly the sort of apartment most dogs would want: views of the park (and all their poochy pals) from almost all rooms and a gate opening on to the off-lead area.
This rather grand apartment has a Brighton address, adjoins Elsternwick Park and has its closest cafes and shops in Elwood’s busy Ormond Road.
This confluence of corners makes it sound a busier patch than it is – Elsternwick Park is large and restful with a popular off-lead area, a lake, walking paths and a couple of playgrounds. And all this is just out the gate of this luxurious apartment.
Built about 2008, the elevated ground-level apartment occupies the north-east corner of the two-level development that houses only three residences. And, at approximately 280 square metres, it is house size.
Entry is up a couple of steps to a shared foyer shared and then 9A is to the right. Double doors lead into a wide hallway that has a study to the right and the first (and most formal) of the living areas to the left.
The large living area has a gas fire, timber floorboards and double doors leading to a terrace overlooking the park.
Next door is the dining room, which also has a wide view of the park, and then a huge angle-walled kitchen and meals area which also has room for seating. This is a lovely spot to perch: it has northern and north-eastern views of the park with a large island bench, Neff appliances, a corner pantry and plenty of storage. It also has double doors opening to an east-facing terrace which also opens from the main bedroom.
The living areas, beginning with the main sitting room, flow together well but some buyers might like the option of closing off rooms: there are no doors from the hallway to close off the study, kitchen or living room.
The three bedrooms, and the study, are accessed from the main central hallway and a side hallway opening from this. The main is huge with a large en suite overlooking the park and a similar-sized walk-in wardrobe overlooking the street.
Two smaller bedrooms are still large and overlook a small garden and then the street. They share a large bathroom. There is also a powder room near the kitchen, a large laundry and a study near the front door that is large enough to be a fourth bedroom if required.
Underground parking completes a very easy package within walking distance of the beach, shops – and the dog park.
Room for improvement: Doors: there is a distinct lack of doors separating rooms or closing off the hallway.
Need to know: Highest priced apartment (past 12 months) was $3.2 million for 3/61 Well Street, in September 2015. Recent sales: $1.65 million for 1/10 Manor Street, in September 2016; $590,000 for 2/42 Grosvenor Street, in September 2016, and $932,000 for 4/220-226 Esplanade, also in September 2016.