With great character, ornate features and spacious rooms, period homes often tell a great story and offer benefits for today’s lifestyle too.

From Victorian terraces to Edwardians, here are five of the best period homes for sale in Melbourne right now.

From the outside, this Federation home’s period facade gives no hint of the contemporary luxury within.

The five-bedroom Malvern residence retains some of its period charm, with high ceilings and timber floorboards, while the updates, including the second level, add modern convenience.

Inside, polished concrete floors run throughout the open-plan living and dining, a designer kitchen features marble benchtops, a double oven, a steam oven and a plate warmer, and a climate-controlled wine cellar holds about 720 bottles.

Outside, landscaped gardens, a solar- and gas-heated zinc pool, and an integrated gas barbecue on the alfresco deck tick the boxes for entertaining.

This solid brick Edwardian sits on a corner allotment in Middle Park, just one block from the beach.

The striking period facade, pressed-tin ceilings, and Art Nouveau leadlight windows welcome you into the home, while 3.8-metre ceilings and peppercorn floorboards throughout the open-plan living and dining area showcase the modern updates.

Full-height glazing floods the space with natural light and connects to the north-facing landscaped gardens, therapy mineral spa, and plunge pool outside.

The upper level offers a city-view bar and kitchen, and is also home to the main bedroom suite, which includes a luxurious ensuite, walk-in robe, sitting area, and a terrace with skyline views.

Offered for sale for the first time in almost four decades, this home was influenced by the 1870s revival and later updated by architects including the Freeman Brothers, Neil Clerehan, and, most recently, Allan Powell.

The home features a formal forecourt with tessellated tiles and original iron fencing, soaring ceilings, intricate cornicing, fireplaces, and a library-lined sitting room with an integrated bar.

The north-facing kitchen features Italian marble and Smeg appliances, while a sun-drenched main bedroom upstairs sits beneath vaulted ceilings and includes an ornate marble fireplace, a dressing room, and a book-matched marble ensuite.

This Victorian terrace is within walking distance of the best Melbourne has to offer: the MCG, Fitzroy Gardens and Bridge Road.

Set over two levels on around 433 sqm of land, the home retains period features, including the balcony, large proportions and fireplaces.

The home offers flexible living and entertaining, with a formal sitting room, informal dining and a well-appointed kitchen.

Outside, a rare feature for the location is the 12-metre swimming pool, surrounded by landscaped gardens and a paved terrace.

Set for auction, this renovated Victorian cottage in Glen Huntly offers family living with a blend of period and modern design.

Along with the facade, period features include soaring ceilings, an arched and corbelled entrance hall, ornate ceiling roses, decorative cornices with elegant paint detailing, polished floorboards, deep skirting boards, and three open fireplaces with beautifully carved timber mantelpieces.

Modern updates include open-plan living and dining, and a stylish kitchen.

More: