27 Darling Street, Fairfield, Vic 3078

Here, set in this quiet tree-lined street, is a house with a history. 'Carwelkin', thought to be the one of the oldest houses in this part of Fairfield, takes its name from the winner of the 1915 Ascot Five Hundred. The property was built on the handsome proceeds taken that day by a prominent bookmaker and trainer. The house includes glorious Art Deco design features, including an etched glass window bearing the name of the winning horse, an equine sketch on an interior door, and a distinctive trophy cabinet (with secret panel) built over the fireplace in the living room!

Entry from the off-street parking area is to a pretty sunroom, which opens into a Baltic-floored lobby. At the front, the spacious main bedroom has a vast walk-in wardrobe and a wall of glass to a private north-facing courtyard. (A future owner might convert the storage space into an ensuite bathroom.) Two further bedrooms are set to the side and rear of the main living areas. These comprise handsomely proportioned formal living and dining rooms, separated by double doors, and featuring mellow polished timber floors, with period joinery and light fittings. A large tiled bathroom, with spa bath and separate shower, runs to one side. At the rear, a sunny kitchen with European appliances overlooks a good-sized informal meals area, opening to an expanse of timber decking leading into the garden. Professionally landscaped, the garden is deep and private, with mature perimeter plantings framing an array of shrubs and flowers. The garden is watered by an automated drip-irrigation system and features a 5000 litre tank plumbed to the bathroom.

This welcoming property features high ceilings, open fireplaces, ducted heating and airconditioning. And what a location - within strolling distance of Fairfield Station, Station Street shops and cafes, parkland and several schools. Carwelkin won in 1915 by half a head - the house which bears his name is a strong front runner! Note the land size: 460 m2 approx.