Highest bidders Barrie and Lorraine Thomas have finally secured a single level home in Newtown. Picture: Glenn Ferguson

A NEWTOWN property just a stone’s throw from Pakington St has beaten price hopes by more than $100,000 as buyers scrambled to lock in the lifestyle location.

A couple living just a few streets away bought the classically styled brick house at 31 Fairview Ave for $1.005 million at auction on Saturday.

Barrie and Lorraine Thomas had their son do their bidding as they realised their dream of purchasing a single level home that will allow them to remain in a neighbourhood they love.

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Mr Thomas said they had been advised their current house was no longer suitable for them.

“Our existing house has 18 steps to the front door so we have been told by council it would be prudent, for us, at our age, to move into a more reasonable level,” he said.

“We have been looking for 12 months and this location is very good.

“My wife’s GP is just down the road.”

The house at 31 Fairview Ave, Newtown is set among established gardens.

Herringbone parquetry floors feature in the main living area.

Three bidders made a play for the three-bedroom, Wookey built house that was listed with a price guide of $865,000 to $900,000.

Fruit Property, Geelong auction Peter Julian opened proceedings with a $820,000 vendor bid, with two just bidders remaining in the hunt once the price neared $900,000.

Selling agent David Phillips said the quality of the custom-built house had stood the test of time.

“We had a huge amount of interest in the property and people who have come through have just been amazed that it’s nearly 17 years old,” Mr Phillip said.

Fruit Property, Geelong director Peter Julian auctions 31 Fairview Ave, Newtown on Saturday. Picture: Glenn Ferguson

The floorplan has two living areas, including a central open-plan kitchen, dining and loungeroom with herringbone parquetry floors and doors onto a covered outdoor entertainment area.

Concealed steps here lead down to an underground cellar or workshop.

Geelong agent James Wilson also sold another property two streets away, at 32 Mervyn St, Newtown for $1.005 million at auction on Saturday.