Homes with personality and history offer a sense of warmth and welcome, and are coveted by buyers seeking a unique or old-world architectural style.

Several standout character properties in serene settings are attracting strong interest from buyers across Melbourne and interstate after being listed with Barry Plant offices in Diamond Creek and Emerald.

These homes tick the boxes for buyers wanting something special with timeless appeal on larger blocks and in semi-rural surrounds. 

In Clematis, 42km from the CBD, a five-bedroom property, at an address available on request, is delighting buyers from as far as Queensland.

Home to an interior designer and artist, the weatherboard charmer plus a studio on 2277sq m, recently hit the market.

“It has already attracted 20 groups to private inspections,” Barry Plant Emerald sales agent Denise McKay said.

“They love the home’s history, charm and setting in stunning landscaped gardens.”

Built in 1929, the personality-packed house is flooded with natural light streaming through stunning sash windows, and is adorned with period features, including leadlight glass panels, timber floors and gabled ceilings.

It has three bedrooms, including one used as a second living space with French door access to beautiful gardens, and a bathroom with a claw foot bath.

There is a cosy lounge room with a slow-combustion heater, kitchen and dining area with recycled floorboards, and a newly laid deck overlooking mature gardens with a chicken coop and shed.

A bonus is the recently built fully self-contained studio, which was designed by the owner.

Filled with character and charm, it features a mezzanine loft with pitched ceilings, gabled dormer and a study nook that overlooks the garden.

The studio also includes a living space with magnificent vaulted ceilings and a Masport fireplace, dining area with a delightful window seat and double hung windows, and a fully equipped kitchen.

There is a bedroom or study space, bathroom, and decked outdoor entertainment areas with gorgeous garden views.

The property is for private sale with a $1.05-$1.15 million price guide.

A three-bedroom house on 697sq m at 37 Anzac Avenue, Hurstbridge, has caught the eye of locals and buyers from Melbourne’s inner suburbs seeking a tree change.

Named Wattlebower Cottage, the original Hurstbridge home was built in 1935 as a weekender, and has been renovated and extended by the owners who have lived there for about 25 years.

“They have done a nice job of retaining the home’s original character, including the Baltic pine floors, leadlight windows and some pressed metalwork,” Barry Plant Diamond Creek director Peter Koiker said.

“It’s an imposing double-storey house with so much street appeal, and it’s in a good location just a short walk from the village shops, cafes, train station and primary school.”

Awash with vintage charm, the house showcases a rich collection of reclaimed materials.

The living and dining room is warmed by a cosy open fireplace and the solid timber kitchen is equipped with a quality Rosierres freestanding cooker and stainless steel dishwasher.

There are two bedrooms with built-in wardrobes, a main bedroom with an ensuite and walk-in wardrobe, a period-style bathroom with a claw foot bath, plus a study for those working at home.

Entertaining is a breeze on the covered alfresco deck that steps out to a beautifully landscaped garden with a paved area with built-in barbecue, fully fenced spa and lawn for the children to play. 

Extras include a tandem garage and workshop with a toilet, second driveway and gated parking space for a boat, caravan or trailer.

The property is for Sale by SET DATE® at 5pm, November 3, unless sold prior, with a $1-$1.07 million price guide.