27 Hawke Street, West Melbourne.

Both a city-fringe retreat full of vitality and leafy hideaway from the nearby bustle, this evocative Victorian terrace pairs period with modern to offer a completely turnkey lifestyle that's quintessentially Melbourne. Beyond a manicured hedge and timeless, tuckpointed façade, a free-flowing interior proves just as ideal for young and growing families as city professionals and downsizers seeking the endless amenity of its prestige pocket. As practical as it is attractive, the home's two robe-lined lower bedrooms and smart bathroom are perfect counterparts to an upper master boasting an entire-wall robe and ensuite with a bathtub. Stepping onto a feature balcony brilliant for evening drinks taking in skyscraper sights, an oversized upstairs retreat with a study area and powder room complements stellar main spaces below, with entwined living and dining zones spilling onto a back entertainer's deck great for a barbecue under blue skies. A granite-top kitchen with premium Bosch appliances and plentiful timber cabinetry elevates entertainment prowess, while a long list of further highlights includes reverse-cycle heating/cooling, Baltic pine and hardwood floors, fireplaces, a European laundry, and secure off-street parking courtesy of rear frontage to Jones Place. The last of its longstanding terrace row, it's mere steps from the cafés and coffee roasters, bars and pubs, diverse cuisine, and shopping options across Errol Street and surrounds, along with tranquil Flagstaff Gardens, Parkville's hospital/university precinct, various trams and trains, Queen Victoria Market, and the day-and-night verve of Melbourne's heart.