Four of our favourite Melbourne homes for sale – with top outdoor areas

The best outdoor areas aren’t an afterthought, but an extension of the home. They’re practical, with space to share a meal or a swimming pool to relax, and pretty, with greenery to draw the eye.

In both period homes and new builds, there are some top-notch outdoor areas on the market right now. Here are some of our favourites.

59 Park Drive, Parkville VIC 

This architect-designed inner-north home comes with three bedrooms behind a sunken facade and a gourmet kitchen with walk-in pantry. The delightful, sunny garden includes vine-covered walls and mature trees, as well as a deck for al fresco dining. There’s floor-to-ceiling glass in the living space and oversized windows in the bedrooms to take advantage of the verdant views.

176 Kooyong Road, Toorak VIC 

This luxurious four-bedroom Toorak home comes with plenty of living spaces inside, including one earmarked for a potential music room. But there’s also an elegant outdoor dining area, with greenery creeping along the exterior walls of the home. The heated pool comes with an advanced jet swimming function for fitness enthusiasts. The price guide is $16.5 million to $18.15 million.

267 Esplanade, Altona VIC 

Have we stepped into the Gold Coast? This waterfront home boasts a coastal palette and views to match, without having to leave Melbourne. The al fresco dining space has a barbecue area, and there’s a heated saltwater pool and spa. Behind the pool, there’s a separate studio.

1A Eliza Street, Black Rock VIC 

The generous use of floor-to-ceiling glass in this Black Rock home means there’s an easy flow between the living and dining area, and the outdoors. The indoor chequerboard feature wall is reminiscent of breeze blocks, while the covered al fresco dining deck offers the promise of meals outside even when the weather is uncertain. The swimming pool is edged by trees. Elsewhere, there’s a bonus balcony to admire while having a bath.