Mel and Gary Wilson plan to raise their family at 5 East Kirkby Court, Highton.

IT was a case of love at first sight for the new owners of a Highton property that sold under the hammer on Saturday.

Lara couple Gary and Mel Wilson had only inspected 5 East Kirkby Court for the first time a week before its auction and instantly felt they could raise a family there.

They secured the five-bedroom house for $771,000 ahead of two other bidders.

The 837sq m property has a solar heated swimming pool.

MORE REAL ESTATE NEWS:
The Geelong suburb named in the nation’s top 50 future hot spots

Buyers see value in renovation potential of Belmont original

Demolition started on landmark site as Holiday Inn project starts

The kitchen.

The timing could not have been better for the couple who will be able to move in ahead of the birth of their baby.

Mr Wilson said they sold their house in Lara several months ago with a view to returning south of the river, where he grew up.

The open-plan living area has a great outdoor connection.

“We walked through it last weekend for the first time,” he said.

“We thought it would be a good next 10 years house.”

He said he expected the price might have crept over the $800,000 mark at auction and felt the purchase represented good value.

The two-storey house is a in a quiet court close to Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre and the ring road, which is an added bonus for Mr Wilson who commutes to Melbourne for work.

Buxton agent Tony Moorfoot said the open-plan living zone with bi-fold doors and a servery window on an outdoor entertaining area and in-ground swimming pool added to the property’s family appeal.

“It’s a super location” Mr Moorfoot said.