The rich history of Kew
Home to some of Melbourne’s grandest mansions and extensive private gardens, Kew maintains a rich history as one of the city’s most prized suburbs.
As the home of former prime ministers, premiers and archbishops, and more recently, a roll call of influential business and industry leaders, and professional families seeking proximity to the city’s leading schools, Kew has an extensive history of dignified professionals, with the area only experiencing a greater gentrification in recent times.
The leafy suburb use to be a city in its own right, until 1994 when the the cities of Kew, Hawthorn and Camberwell were amalgamated to form the City of Boroondara. The amalgamation only made the area more fruitful with nearby attractions including the iconic Yarra River, Studley Park Boathouse, Collingwood Children’s Farm, Abbotsford Convent and the picturesque Dights Falls.
A home in Kew has long been sought after due to the suburbs signature wide streets, large land blocks, leafy green canopies and surrounding park lands that all hark back to the area’s early settlement, with pastoral land sales dating back to 1845.
But many are priced out of the Kew house market, with the median house price now $2.5 million, according to realestate.com.au data.
Apartment prices are a lot more palatable however, with the median at $900,000. New apartments are still few and far between in the historic suburb. Enter, The Bradford.
The Bradford, by developer Jafari Group, is bringing just 10 luxury apartments to the exclusive area, targeting the downsizer and upsizer with house-size proportions.
The three-level building seamlessly integrates into the surrounding streetscape, cleverly divided into four smaller entities with their own identity, to imbue a sense of privacy and individuality, connected by a secure lobby.
Designed by the highly-regarded Cera Stribley architecture and interior design studio, The Bradford sits just six-kilometres east of the CBD, with city shops and amenities just a 15-minute door-to-door tram journey.
Neighbouring on Genazzano FJC College, The Bradford is surrounded by a wealth of amenity and notable locations, including Kew Junction, the Anniversary Trail, Victoria Park, Reservoir Reserve, St George’s Hospital, Glenferrie Road Shopping and Carey Grammar.
Cultural and entertainment opportunities are located near The Bradford, with the renowned Housemuseum Galleries and adjoining Lyon Houseman within easy walking distance, and BALWYN, Rivoli and Lido cinemas all a short drive or tram ride away.
Foodies are spoilt for choice, with a range of specialist delis and food outlets, and a wide mix of dining options, from cafes and bistros to more fine-dining fare at local favourites Centonove and Mister Blanco, or for something lighter and more liquid, Bar Alba is a short stroll or tram ride to the end of the street.
Regional attractions such as the Yarra Valley and the Dandenongs are just an hour’s drive along the nearby freeway or for something more coastal, the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsula are a 90-minute commute.