A unique property perched 7.5 meters above ground in Templestowe has sold for $1.35 million at auction, exceeding expectations by $250,000. The home, located at 39 Lawanna Drive, was originally listed for $1 million to $1.1 million, reflecting the strong demand for properties in this price range.
The elevated residence, built by the owner’s architect father over 30 years ago, features a garage below and is supported by several Karri timber stilts. The wraparound jarrah decking, suspended on a steel frame, offers stunning views of the surrounding treetops and provides a spacious area for outdoor entertaining. The rear balcony of the home reaches just below 8 meters in height, adding to its distinctive allure.
This auction on Saturday marked the first time the property had been offered since its construction in the 1990s. Chris Savvides of Jellis Craig Doncaster reported that approximately 120 groups inspected the house during the sales campaign. A crowd of around 50 people gathered to witness the auction, indicating significant interest in this unique offering.
Three bidders actively participated in the auction, with the home initially placed on the market at $1.1 million. The winning bid came from a young couple who expressed their excitement about acquiring the property. According to Savvides, the husband, a carpenter, is eager to undertake renovations, while his partner plans to run a business from home.
The couple’s enthusiasm for the property is shared by the surrounding community, with many neighbours pleased to see young buyers invest in the area. Savvides noted that the couple had previously viewed more than 50 properties and had placed bids on several before successfully securing this home.
Inside, the three-bedroom residence features a modern kitchen equipped with a new electric wall oven, a gas cooktop, a dishwasher, and a walk-in pantry. The garden includes a large pond, and the property is complemented by a four-car garage and workshop, complete with a sink and three-phase power connection.
According to Savvides, there is currently a “huge demand” for homes priced between $1 million and $2 million, coupled with a notable shortage of available properties in the market. This trend has been observed not only in Templestowe but also across the Manningham municipality and Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.
As the property market continues to evolve, the sale of this elevated Templestowe home underscores the sustained interest in unique properties and the ongoing demand for residential real estate in the region.
