23rd February 2021 / Prue Fletcher: Suburb Spotlight | Eltham, VIC 3095

Suburb Spotlight | Eltham, VIC 3095

Hands ups if you've considered a rural move over the last 12 months?

Have you dreamed of tending to your own kitchen garden, scattered across spacious acreage, whilst drafting up plans in your mind to build your own sustainable house...all on a plot of land far enough away to enjoy the sounds of serenity but close enough when you feel like experiencing some of the hustle and bustle of the city? Introducing Eltham, home to some of the closest acreage you'll find to Melbourne's CBD and the gateway to what's often referred to as the 'lungs of our city' or in more political terms, Melbourne's "green wedge".

Just 19km north-east of the CBD, it's known for its green spaces, family feel, the arts community and a growing sustainability movement. Home to some of our country's most beautiful architecture, Montsalvat was established in 1940 and continues to this day to be a popular destination for visitors. As Australia's oldest continuously active artists' community, it's a place where art in all its forms is made, felt and taught through exhibitions, festivals, concerts, workshops and the exploration of artists' residences.

With its family-friendly feel, Eltham offers a wide range of recreational activities including the Diamond Valley Miniature Railway in Eltham Lower Park, which won Tripadvisor's '2020 Travellers' Choice Award' as well as being a gateway town to the wonderful wineries and accommodation that defines the Yarra Valley. One of the town's true gems, the Eltham Farmers' Market operates weekly, every Sunday between 8 am & 1 pm. The market is held in Central Eltham, in the car park above Eltham Town Mall (10 - 18 Arthur Street) and entry is FREE. Listed in the 8 best farmers' markets in Melbourne by both Weekend Notes and The Urban List, there is a wide variety of stalls selling farm-fresh produce and artisan food products - all of which are being sold by the farmer or maker. There is regular entertainment, great coffee and on every Sunday 8 am - 12 pm, the market hosts a community fruit and veggie swap. For more information, head to their website at https://localfoodconnect.org.au/elthamfm/.

Well positioned for rail travel on the Hurstbridge line, the station is located right in the heart of town, where it is also a major bus terminal for services connecting its community with its surrounds. A full list of routes can be found via the PTV website. With an impressive mix of both private and public education options, the local school's ethos mirrors that of the local communities, with schools such as Eltham College offering their students the option to travel via a Green Ticket, supporting sustainable transport practices which help to reduce the towns carbon footprint. With the array of gold standard education options available, it's no wonder the town has seen an influx of young families buying up real estate.

With the median house price in Eltham currently sitting at $1,080,000* and an average rental of $520 per week*, you can see why the Herald Sun listed it as one of the "hottest suburbs to buy into in 2021". Fletchers Director & Auctioneer, Craig Maskell, believes "it's the lifestyle Eltham offers everyone. It has a real family-friendly feel that blends city sophistication with country charm". With recent Domain research revealing that searches for things like home offices' were well up since the onset of the pandemic, Mr Maskell confirms that "buyers are still looking for that extra space, with first-home buyers and up-sizers looking for a room to breathe, something that Eltham offers en masse".

Here, Craig shares his top tips on how to spend a weekend in Eltham:

Market – Eltham Farmers' Market

Coffee - The Main Cafe

Dinner – Franco & Co

Brunch – Third Chapter

Park – Eltham North adventure playground

Wellbeing / Fitness – Eltham Leisure Centre

Fashion – Blue Butterfly Boutique

Something for the kids – Edendale Farm

Art & Culture - Montsalvat

After work drinks - Little Drop of Poison

*Median house price sources via REIV website