Mont Albert North 1/38 Melrose Street
Price $630,000-$690,000
Auction 10.30am, October 31
Agent Fletchers, 9836 2222 Melway 47 B7 Mont

Albert has long been a favourite of this column and not for the reasons you might think.

Sure, it has large manors and green gardens, but what makes Mont Albert a standout is its unassuming, amiable air.

The vibe you'll find here is different to other eastern suburbs.

The reputations of its closer-in cousins — Canterbury, Camberwell, Kew — are rightly lofty but what you won't feel is that aura of exclusivity.

You will find a comparable level of greenery, space and style though, along with an accessible, affable atmosphere.

This house in Melrose Street sits directly across the road from Box Hill Secondary College and is perfect if you have high school-aged children.

The period brick house, circa 1947, has a fantastic family feel. A private front garden creates a little green sanctuary around the entry, which opens to a large foyer with polished boards flowing over to the main living room.

A pleasant window brings the outside in and a lovely decorative ceiling and fireplace give the room an elegant air. Behind is the formal dining room.

On the other side of the entry is the main bedroom with a serene view of the front garden.

With a smart, accessible configuration, the kitchen has an angled black laminate bench, handsome blond timber-veneer cabinets and stainless steel appliances.

A chic mustard-coloured splashback adds dramatic appeal.

Two sets of french windows give the meals and family spaces in front of the kitchen an airy feel and lead to the tiled terrace at the back.

This excellent elevated area is covered for year-round entertaining and leads down to a lawn and double carport with plenty of storage.

Upstairs, a large open area would be a great place for the children to hang out and it has two bright windows on either side, the northern casement featuring a pretty window seat.

There are two bedrooms up here, both with storage and pleasant aspects and serviced by an airy bathroom.

Family-friendly floor space in a verdant locale makes the living pretty easy.