'Rarer and rarer' period charm on Wollongong CBD doorstep

Already scarce on the ground, homes like 11 Rawlinson Avenue, Wollongong will be rarer than hen’s teeth in a few decades.

This immaculately presented 1935 California bungalow retains its coveted character details and captures significant ocean views from its elevated northeast-facing position on 580 sqm of land close to all the conveniences of the big smoke.

“As the years roll on, to find a home like this in Wollongong, minutes from the CBD and beaches, will become rarer and rarer, as we see more and more developers buying them and knocking them down to build apartments,” The Agency Illawarra’s Cristian Cignarella says.

“First, it’s a beautiful property in its own right with the kind of amazing period charm buyers typically love, and which nobody builds anymore. That is compounded by its location, three minutes from the CBD and train station and approximately five minutes to the nearest beach.

“In 50 years or so I think there will be but a handful left of properties like this.”

The three-bedroom, two-bathroom home has been lovingly restored by the current owner to introduce every modern convenience while preserving its art deco features, including lovely stained-glass bay windows and ornate ceilings.

Solid timber flooring makes the most of light-filled living, including three generous bedrooms with built-in wardrobes and a recently added ensuite.

The federation-style main bathroom includes a full-sized bath with a rain shower.

The open-plan living/dining area features a bay window revealing ocean views and an original wood fireplace.

Coming off this space is the charming country-style kitchen, complete with timber cabinetry and a quality European 900 mm gas cooktop.

The main residence also includes a separate laundry with built-in cabinetry and an adjoining extra toilet.

Ceiling fans, air conditioning and a gas point for additional heating take care of year-round comfort.

Outside, the home continues to sing. Out front, a north-facing porch can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.

“It’s the perfect spot for your morning coffee, your afternoon tea, a nap or a bit of quiet winter reading,” Cristian says.

Admire the sea view from the completely private and peaceful landscaped rear garden, with plenty of space for pets and kids to play and an al fresco area where you can host barbecues with family and friends.

It’s also here you’ll find a versatile separate structure out back that could be used as a teenager’s retreat or rumpus for kids, guest room, games room, home office, artist or musician studio or tinkerer’s workshop.

Other useful features include a gabled double garage with raked ceilings and rear access, continuous gas hot water, a 1000-litre rainwater tank and ample under-house storage.

Currently an investment property, Cristian says this lovely home would be well suited to a family.

“It would be perfect for someone wanting to give their children the traditional Australian dream,” he says. “A young family who wants the lifestyle and convenience this location offers, without the hassle of strata fees or sacrificing the space of a standalone home, would be very happy here.”

The price guide for this home is $1,200,000.

The vibrant Crown Street shopping and dining precinct is only 600 m away and the Continental pool and beach are less than 10 minutes away. TAFE is on your doorstep, the free shuttle bus route to Wollongong University and Wollongong train station for express travel to Sydney are just 500 m from home and Wollongong Hospital and the medical precinct are 800 m away.

For more information about 11 Rawlinson Avenue, Wollongong call Cristian Cignarella at The Agency Illawarra on 0411 329 396.