20A Malane Street, Bentleigh East

There's something quietly appealing about a home that sits back from the street, does everything you need it to, and asks very little in return. This one does exactly that, with a single-level layout, two separate living zones and a natural sense of ease throughout.

To the left of the entry, the lounge is wrapped in windows, pulling in light and sunshine from the north, west and south. Further in, the living and dining room with a woodfire heater opens through sliding doors to a paved alfresco entertaining patio edged with enough greenery to satisfy a green thumb. The kitchen sits just to the side of this zone, well set up with a gas cooktop, under-bench oven, dishwasher and a breakfast bar that keeps things connected without getting in the way.

All three bedrooms are fitted with built-in robes and are grouped near a central bathroom with a bath, separate shower and toilet, plus an extra toilet that makes a difference when people are over. There’s also a full laundry, ducted heating and split-system air conditioning throughout, a single garage with access through to the backyard, extra off-street parking and a rainwater tank.

Centre Road is about 200 metres away, with its cafés, restaurants, independent shops and a vibrant village energy. When bigger retail calls, Westfield Southland and the fashion capital Chadstone are both within a short drive. Bentleigh Station is close for the commute, McKinnon Reserve and GESAC are almost on the doorstep, and the zoning covers sought-after Valkstone Primary and Bentleigh Secondary College, with St Peter's and St Bede's also within easy reach. For a downsizer ready to trade the upkeep for the good life, or a young family after a suburb that grows with them, it's hard to imagine a better place to land.

We donate a portion of our fee from every property transaction to the Woodards Foundation to support people experiencing homelessness, family violence and social isolation.