It is not often that I get to look at two character filled homes in Hamilton’s best location in the one week but then real estate these days is going through an extraordinary time.

Clarke Street, in our Church Hill area, is one of those prime locations where homes are valued and very well held by their owners.

It is a character filled street and the fact that it is within 3 houses of the Hamilton Bowling Club, a few steps to the Hamilton Club, Gray Street School, Church Hill Kindergarten and Gray Street in general, it is positioned perfectly for families or retirees.

I found the home interesting because of the contrast between old and the new. It is a spacious white weatherboard Californian Bungalow in style set on the high side of Clarke Street giving it a commanding presence behind the very easy care front garden.

A wide newly refurbished bitumen drive runs up the left hand side of the home and into a large single garage/workshop with automatic roller door, concrete floor and power.

The balance of the rear garden is secured by a child proof fence and gate, the area comprising a small lawn, service area with the clothesline, laundry/storeroom and a great brick paved outdoor living area.

The front garden has been levelled with the use of large stones across the frontage of the block and these have been interspersed with native grasses and ground covers.

Blending very well and preparing you for the contrast between the old and the new styles in this property. Stepping up onto the raised front porch you have to turn around and take in the north eastern view.

It is remarkable how undulating the Hamilton township really is and the view gives a great sense of place. The front door leads into the entry and reveals, as in most Californian bungalow style houses, that the rooms are large, airy and full of natural light through the attractively set paned windows.

In this home the original timber panelling has been painted and the whole of the home is a fresh clean off white colour. This contrasts well with the polished Baltic pine floors to be found throughout except in the service and wet areas.

The double opening off the entry gives access to the living room which has a further double opening toward the rear into the original dining room. The dining has the original open fire place and a modern split system to service area. This provides a great family space that opens out through wide glass doors to the covered outdoor living at the back and adjacent to the paved section.

The kitchen is next to the dining and then a separate rear entry area with a glazed door. The kitchen is very well lit with a large skylight and windows overlooking the rear garden. There is ample bench space, gas hot plates, electric oven and dishwasher and these have been combined with ample timber cupboards both under and above the bench. The kitchen is cork tiled and large enough for the placement of a casual dining table and chairs.

Off the rear entry is a third bedroom equipped with a built in wardrobe. The balance of the bedrooms of this home are in the one area at the front off a hallway at the end of the entry.

On the right is an office with views through the rear door and into the back garden when one is perhaps engaged in contemplation. There is ample bench, shelving and cupboard space in this work area. The second bedroom is a double with built in robes and on the other side of the hall are the separate toilet and tiled family bathroom.

The main bedroom is, again, a large double with a big walk in wardrobe providing an air lock into the recently refurbished en suite bathroom. The main bedroom is fitted with a ceiling fan for summer comfort. There is ducted gas heating installed in this home and the electricity supply is supplemented by the solar panels on the recently renewed iron roof.

During the refurbishment thought has also been given to the original fittings with ceiling roses and decorative cornices being put in place. The home is presented in excellent condition and the stumps have been recently renewed making it as solid as the day it was built.

This property is a very attractive character home in a premier position and is well worth a look if you are wanting a well located family or retirement home.

30 Clarke Street, Hamilton. Price $420,000. Contact Melissa Ferrier at Professionals Real Estate, Brown Street, Hamilton on 0418 299741.