47 May St, Macleod sold under the hammer on Saturday.

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A young family has snapped up a California bungalow in Melbourne’s north east for $200,000 above its auction reserve price, held by the same owner for 40 years.

The four-bedroom house at 47 May St, Macleod was one of the first houses to be built in the suburb in circa 1925 and sold for $1.53m — well above its $1.33m reserve value and initial $1.2m-$1.3m price guide.

Seller Susan Stanes said the decision to sell the property was difficult but it was the right time for her.

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Ms Stanes said it was a wonderful result and the agents handled the auction well.

“It’s just been a joy,” she said.

She added that the home was in a pretty special suburb that didn’t have any major roads going through it, with a nice village of shops and plenty of parkland.

“In the 40 years (I’ve lived here), it’s actually got a stronger community feel than it ever has,” she said.

The light-filled and spacious family room.

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The meals are adjoined to the kitchen and family room.

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Ms Stanes said when she purchased the house, she felt very lucky that the previous owners had kept it in its original condition.

“I made the choice not to change it, (with) all the beautiful features and just celebrate them,” she said.

“I think it’s just the character of the house that you don’t get in Macleod very often.”

A second lounge room at the front of the home with an open fire place.

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Ray White Macleod lead agent Brett Schembri said in the 15 years he had been selling real estate in Macleod, this was the first time he had sold a Californian bungalow.

“It’s quite unique, hence the reason why I think we’ve had some really good traction on it, given the unique features,” Mr Schembri said.

“The vendors really looked after the home and really retained the original features throughout, which I think a lot of people have loved.”

He added that the buyers were a local young family who were upsizing.

“We also had a couple of families with older kids and some empty nesters bidding,” he said.

The brick patio at the rear of the abode.

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There were four groups at the auction who threw their hats into the ring to purchase the abode.

Mr Schembri noted that about 60 groups inspected the property while it was listed for sale.

The Macleod residence is surrounded by established gardens and has a veranda at the front of the home.

All on the one level, three bedrooms have built-in wardrobes including one with an open fire place.

The main bedroom has its own ensuite and study nook with a built-in desk and cabinetry.

The kitchen is fitted with Bosch appliances and a walk-in pantry, adjoined to the meals and family area which opens to the patio.

At the rear of the digs is a large garden with a chicken coop and shed.

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