Having enjoyed incarnations as the Red Hill post office, village bakery and a popular art gallery, history comes alive with this enchanting four-bedroom family home dating back to the early 1870s.

With its rural outlook and magical water views across to Mt Martha and across Port Phillip, experience the best of coast and country from this most manageable half acre holding in the heart of the peninsula hinterland.

Beyond a classic white weatherboard exterior and wisteria-draped front verandah, the home’s timeless style is beautifully enhanced by original features including lovely colonial windows, extensive timberwork, original brick oven, antique safe and even a vintage phone booth beside the front door.

Equally suited to permanent or holiday living, this is a home to tug at the heartstrings of those with a passion for the past, yet sympathetic updates have ensure modern creature comforts have not been overlooked.

Beyond the white timber-lined entry, a short hallway flows past the study into the family room with its original parquetry floors, while beyond a second versatile living areas could serve as a parents’ retreat adjacent to the master bedroom.

In addition, a bright L-shaped sunroom overlooking the garden and bay connects to the formal lounge and dining room with wood heater, while the farmhouse-style kitchen features a cheerful splash back fashioned from recycled fireplace tiles.

A generous storeroom beyond the kitchen would make a lovely playroom for younger children opening directly to the garden, while a decked entertaining platform offers the perfect spot for casual summer dining.

Two of the three remaining bedrooms take in water views, and while the family bathroom is compact it has been sympathetically updated in keeping with the home.

Outdoors, mature fruit trees and some tall timber dot sweeping green lawns encouraging plenty of outdoor play, while extras include a double lock-up garage/workshop and handy garden shed.