This huge property at 51 Virginia St, Newtown, has $6m price hopes.

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The winds of change are blowing through the expansive gardens at one of Newtown’s most prestigious homes, with the grand California bungalow on the market for the first time in almost half a century.

Yemoneit occupies an impressive 2697sq m parcel of land in esteemed Virginia St and was originally built for Lewis Hirst, the son of woollen manufacturer Godfrey, in 1919.

Much period grandeur is still on display inside the five-bedroom residence that sits among meticulously landscaped grounds with a tennis court and swimming pool.

Whitford, Newtown director John Moran said many people had commented that the landmark property wouldn’t be out of place among Toorak’s lavish private mansions.

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It’s expected to fetch $6m through an expressions of interest campaign closing on September 12.

Mr Moran said 51 Virginia St’s undisputed street appeal and beautifully preserved heritage features had buyers mulling future renovations that would tastefully bring the much-loved family home up to modern-day standards.

“I think Virginia St is the best street in Geelong and then you don’t get too many opportunities to buy a block of approximately 2500sq m in the best street in Geelong,” he said.

“This family have had it for 48 years.

“The interest we have had so far is from people that want to do a full reno on it. It certainly lends itself to that but you certainly could live in it for a while before you do that.”

Timber panelling and decorative plasterwork feature in the formal dining room.

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Italian tiles were used to craft this open fireplace.

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The magnificent front garden catches the northern sun.

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A mature elm tree in the front yard and a curved porch featuring sandstone columns are the perfect introduction to the elegant bungalow.

But you need to step inside to appreciate the intricate level of detail that earned it the title of “truly the home beautiful in the best residential locality in Newtown” when it was built.

Decorative plasterwork, leadlight bay windows and timber panelling wind back the clock in the front formal lounge and dining rooms that flank an equally ornate entrance hall.

The open fireplace in the lounge is a work of art in itself and features a distinctive wall arch and mantel crafted with stone from Italy.

A separate recreation room/kitchenette services the tennis court and pool.

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The outdoor area offers the complete package.

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Beyond here, the floorplan has been adapted and added to over the years to include a comfortable kitchen, adjoining meals area and an informal living room overlooking the rear garden.

Another separate rumpus room has a striking cork ceiling that harks back another architectural era altogether.

“It has got a fan in there because the old boys used to smoke in there,” Mr Moran said.

There’s garden view on offer from the kitchen.

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Original ornate details is on display in the main bedroom suite.

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The property is one of the largest in Virginia St.

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There are three bedrooms on the ground floor, including a spacious main bedroom suite with a walk-in wardrobe and updated ensuite, with another two bedrooms and an office upstairs.

Outside, a private sanctuary geared towards entertaining awaits.

Another recreation room with a kitchenette services the tennis court and pool area, so you don’t have to traipse inside for supplies, and there’s also a built-in barbecue.

And, last but not least, garaging for four cars.