I am sure you would know of the old saying that you cannot judge a book by the cover.

It is one of those aphorisms that apply in a myriad of situations and is particularly relevant to the house that we are featuring for you this week. The home, at 9 Gray Street, Hamilton is a lovely example of the art of blending the old and new, but you will not appreciate how well until you get past the leafy green cover and take a look inside.

This elegant weatherboard in the heart of Church Hill is privately set on the high side of the street behind a verdant screen. Obviously built before the advent of the motor car there is no driveway off Gray Street, adding to the privacy and contributing a dash of mystery. That does not mean there is not the vehicle access we need today but I will explain that a little more later. The wide bluestone footpath leads from the centre of the frontage through the greenery to the few short steps leading to the front door between the two large bay windows. The setting contributes to the air of anticipation as to what one might find inside.

On entry you find one of three living spaces to the right of the foyer but this room, presently used for formal living, could well be utilised as a fourth bedroom should one want to increase the bedroom accommodation. It has delightful ambience overlooking the garden with bay window, roman blinds, original fireplace and mantel.

The entry then opens to the left accessing the open relaxed family area replete with renovated kitchen at the far end. The matching bay window, also dressed with roman blinds, contributes character and light enhancing a great place for the family to relax when winding down the busy day. The kitchen is well equipped with ample cupboards for appliances and pantry items, electric oven and hot plates, dishwasher and a centrally located stone preparation or casual dining bench.

French doors lead off the kitchen to one of multiple outdoor living spaces, this one with a timber deck with laser lite roofing. Wound with wisteria it is very well sheltered and private surrounded by the garden on two sides. At the rear is a short double wall, screening but giving convenient access, to the carport and undercover clothesline.

The entry hall continues through the centre of this home where there is a study fitted to suit those requiring extensive technology.

Adjacent is the large master bedroom, with external access to the east garden, and a dressing room with plenty of wardrobe and storage room. There is also a bright modern ensuite bathroom with shower, toilet and vanity, the dressing room providing the airlock.

On the other side of the hall from the study is a linen room and passage through to the outdoor deck. Off the linen room is the family bathroom and clever European style laundry. This arrangement works very well keeping the service area required for the family quite contained in a most convenient location.

The family bathroom also acts as ensuite via double doors to the second bedroom, an excellent arrangement for guests. This bedroom has a view of the attractive rear garden through a bay window as does the matching third bedroom on the other side of the rear entry.

Between the bedrooms large glazed double doors and windows give a wide, light and welcoming space the current owners have used for more formal dining. Given the location and access, this area could also be used for informal living as it is also adjacent to the kitchen. Both bedrooms two and three open onto it making it perfect for older children leaving parents to enjoy the quieter alternatives available. The layout, along with adjacent outdoor living, provide a further option for use as a bed and breakfast if that suited new owners.

Additional outdoor living is provided by the sheltered paved open area along the rear of the home and the eastern side of the home also has a further paved area surrounded by an arbour of trees along the fence. A rear driveway accesses the carport and larger than average single garage workshop from Clarke Street. The rear garden is neat and easy care providing an attractive and complimentary setting to outdoor living at the rear of the property.

There are many desirable features in this home including bluestone foundations, ducted heating, additional split system in the dining space, polished Baltic timber floors, ceiling fans, quality furnishings and tiling, ceiling roses with quality light fittings and an overall ambience of peace, quiet, elegance and quality. If you are looking to turn the page to a new home do not miss giving this property a view.

9 Gray Street, Hamilton. Price $575,000. Contact Trish Thurgood at Southern Grampians Livestock and Real Estate on 5571 1404.