No.4 York St, Bellerive. Picture: Supplied

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IN a classic early 1900s home such as this, inspiration is in abundance.

It has the feel of a property that was rewarding to restore, and the vibe of a home where the whole family can live a comfortable lifestyle.

From the street, No.4 York makes a grand first impression. Then on entry, via the inviting covered veranda, it slowly reveals a craftsman’s attention to detail.

From presenting historic features in their best light to transforming the rear of the home with a sophisticated extension, the owners — local builders — have clearly had a ball at Belle York.

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The couple bought the property in 2009, and have loved the location.

At that time No.4 was in good original condition, albeit with a rainbow of coloured walls — from claret to teal to rescue orange.

The homeowners described the old carpets as having the look of a casino.

Today, these funky features are tricky to imagine given the home’s chic, stylish, carefully considered presentation.

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She said their renovation and extension of their house was designed with family living in mind, and was the most significant project they had undertaken on one of their own homes.

He said it was important to preserve the integrity of the 120-year-old home, while also planning to build a new home at the rear of the property.

“We took a sensitive approach and engaged an architect to ensure aesthetically and functionally there was privacy from the neighbouring property and that they complimented each other,” he said.

“We wanted to maintain the bedroom configuration at the front of the home but saw an opportunity to address the kitchen and to create a modern open plan living area, which is nice for a family lifestyle; it gives you a sense of space while also being a private sanctuary.”

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It’s impossible to miss the gorgeous green splash of colour in the modern kitchen, and it links to the history of the home, too.

She said choosing the right splashback had proven a challenge.

“In the end we took inspiration from the home’s original tiles, a nod to the old house felt like a perfect fit. And we ended up using these similar deep green tiles — which we had bought three years earlier — in a few spots around the home.”

Outside, looking at the house from the front of the property, a new off-street parking space has been created on the right-hand side with easy access into the kitchen-dining area via a patio.

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The new laundry is to the right alongside a toilet and then there is access through to a deck that wraps around to a fantastic new outdoor entertainment area. A bench and sliding windows into the living room create indoor-outdoor appeal.

The sun-drenched deck is north-facing and has a built-in barbecue and fridges. Sunny and private, it will be an entertainer’s favourite part of the property or a relaxing spot for family activity throughout the year.

Harrison Agents property representative Nick Cowley said it was rare to find an older home like this one that had been updated with so much care.

“You have to appreciate the thought that has gone into it, and the attention to detail is nothing short of exquisite,” Mr Cowley said.

“You can feel the difference between a home updated to sell and one that is a builder’s own home.”

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Alongside the children or guest bedrooms, the master bedroom is an eye-catcher. It is comfortably spacious with built-in storage and a fireplace. To the side it opens to a walk-through wardrobe and a special ensuite with more deep green tile highlights, a timber vanity and a large skylight.

The family bathroom is nearby with quality modern fixtures and fittings.

Deep architraves and polished floorboards feature in the classic central hallway that leads to bedroom No.4 and the extended living zone.

This bedroom has the versatility to be a home office, study, or media room if desired.

Underfloor heating in the polished concrete living areas and bathrooms adds modern comfort while a heat transfer system spreads warmth throughout the house.

The property also features six skylights.

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Built in the early days of Federation, this home reflects the features of its colonial past mixing Georgian symmetry with Victorian detail.

Situated in a quiet area, No.4 is close to the cafe’s, ferry terminal, yacht club and shops of Kangaroo Bay and Bellerive Village.

It is a two-minute drive to Eastlands shopping precinct entertainment, community, medical and financial facilities.

Government and non-government schools ranging from kindergarten to Year 12 are also close by.

The home is listed with Harrison Agents at “Offers over $1.7m”.