Few homes capture the spirit of Balmain quite like the double-fronted 1880s weatherboard cottage that exudes classic charm with its picture-perfect facade and timeless good looks. Architecturally redesigned for contemporary living, the two-storey home sits proudly on the high side of a tightly held street just footsteps to Darling Street's dining and social scene. A wonderful sense of light, symmetry and space creates a welcoming feel with an open sightline from front to back and a natural flow to a lush landscaped garden conceived as an outdoor green room. Designed for flexibility, the four-bedroom home features an upper level parents' retreat and a custom-fitted study while ducted air ensures year-round comfort. This is a home that balances history with amenity in an unbeatable lifestyle setting with Mort Bay Park and the city ferry at one end of the street and Balmain's shopping village at the other with a choice of great schools within easy reach.

• Frangipani-framed facade, the prettiest house on the street
• Central hallway, American Oak floors, ducted reverse air
• 4 bedrooms with built-ins and a study area, 2 ensuite
• King-sized main with a sundeck and dual access ensuite
• Open plan living and dining anchored by an island kitchen
• Carrara marble benchtops, Euro appliances, walk-in pantry
• Seamless indoor-outdoor living, bi-folds to a wide deck
• Established sun-dappled garden designed by Bell Landscapes
• Centrepiece lemon tree, Bondi Grass eco lawn, bbq terrace
• 3 designer bathrooms, full-size laundry with a drying deck
• Top spot in a family friendly community minded neighbourhood
• Birchgrove Public School catchment, 750m to Balmain Wharf