Right in the middle of the eastern suburbs is something old, something new and something quite spectacular. The white Victorian house on the hill in Beech Street, Surrey Hills, has had a huge renovation that makes it a standout property.

It is worth a visit not just from potential buyers, but also by people wanting to see how a dark old house can be transformed into a contemporary family home.

Period features have been retained, but all the living areas are modern, spacious and open-plan.

The double fronted home was bought as a deceased estate a few years ago, and was not in the best condition.

However, it had a Canny transformation – a trend that is becoming increasingly popular in the east.

It is now a stunning three bedroom plus - study home with open-plan living, landscaping, an outdoor area and pool.

Its position on the block enables the house to attract sunlight. The beautifully proportioned front rooms have been enhanced, but given new job descriptions.

For example, the front room with its bay window would traditionally have been a sitting room, and in many renovations would still be that.

Here, it is a master bedroom of stately proportions.

The second room off the hall has been converted to a walk-in wardrobe with his and her sections and an en suite with stone fi nishes, polished porcelain and ceramic tiles.

The family bathroom has stone finishes and Jarrah veneer cabinetry.

There are two more spacious bedrooms in pale tones, which are carried throughout the house.

But the real magic is in the open plan living area, which opens via bi-fold doors to a paved area and pool.

Imagine a space with at least one dimension of 10 metres that easily fits 100 people for a party or works with everyday family living. This is it.

All the modern must haves are in the kitchen – a Smeg double oven, a triple cavity for the fridge, glass splashbacks, superb fi nishes and great storage.

Floors are polished spotted gum, but family living is delineated by carpet which adds warmth and comfort for sitting in front of the open fi re.

Unlike some renovations, this one provides ample built-in cupboards and drawers.

Another design winner is the study or guest room, which once might have been off the central hall, but now has a niche with a view over the pool.

Bright and sunny, with room for two couches and with its own bathroom, it proves the adage that detailed planning in the early stages pays dividends. Built about 1890, the house is one of the few Victorians in the street. Local history records show that a law clerk called Stewart Scott lived here until 1907.

Scott was also a councillor and later Mayor of Nunawading Shire. Long-time Surrey Hills resident and local history buff Henry Jamieson recalls walking through open fi elds near Beech Street in the 1930s as a boy on his way to Wattle Park.

“There weren’t a lot of houses then,” he says. Most of the area was developed after the war and through the 1950s, by
which time 9 Beech Street was already in the history books. mwm

At a glance

9 Beech Street, Surrey Hills
BEDROOMS: Three.
BATHROOMS: Three.
LIVING: Huge open plan, plus formal dining, study/guest room.
THE REST: Elegant return verandah, swimming pool, double garage with remote, ducted heating, evaporative cooling, surround sound, vacuum, security.
PRICE: $1.2 million plus.
AUCTION: November 26 at 2pm.
AGENT: Jellis Craig, 9818 2222.