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The tiny suburb that boasts heritage homes and a celebrity guest list
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Prahran East is a rising star suburb nestled between Melbourne's high-brow and hip.
Originally home to the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong peoples of the East Kulin Nation, the suburb's unique blend of urban cool and village charm is quickly making it one of Melbourne's most compelling addresses.
The suburb got its unique name from the Indigenous word for the area, Pur-ra-ran, meaning 'land partially surrounded by water'.
Located slightly further down 'the hill' from Toorak and Armadale's mansions, Prahran East originally housed the workers and servants of these grand houses in single-fronted Victorian workers' cottages and Edwardian terraces.
From the 1970s, the area began to gentrify and houses were renovated and restored. The 1980s saw a wave of Greek migrants move into the area creating a shift in demographics.
VIEW LISTING: 12 Greville Street, Prahran, VIC
However, it was during the 1990s that the suburb gained its status as an artistic hub when it became an enclave for creatives and the gay community, who were attracted to the avant-garde Prahran TAFE (previously an art school) leading to further gentrification in the 2000s.
Now, Prahran East is a tightly held enclave on the cusp of Armadale's leafy prestige and Prahran's edgy vibrancy.
A - List credentials
It's not just locals who've fallen in love with Prahran East, some big celebrity names have called it home too.
Rock legend Chrissy Amphlett of The Divinyls, Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett, and AFL greats Ted Hopkins and Chris Judd have all called this tiny pocket of Melbourne home.
A grand circa- 1863 residence on Greville Street, was once home to The Divinyls' frontwoman Chrissy Amphlett during the early days of her music career. Years later, Carlton premiership hero Ted Hopkins lived there for more than a decade following his time on the field. It recently sold for $5,250,000.
Cate Blanchett and her husband quietly listed their Prahran East terrace in 2024, selling the stylish three-bedroom, two-bathroom home at 5 Trinian Street for $3.01 million through Kay & Burton.
The A-list couple had held the property since 2006, when they snapped it up for just $745,000, according to public records.
With its blend of charm, character and low-key luxury, it's easy to see why Prahran East quietly attracts Australia's who's who.
A suburb that has it all
When it comes to lifestyle, Prahran East is a suburb that simply has it all.
"You're smack in the middle of everything, but still get that genuine community feel," says sales consultant and auctioneer at Jellis Craig, Ashley Maikousis. "You don't feel locked away in a bubble here, which makes it really inviting."
Its proximity to destinations such as Hawksburn and Toorak Villages, and retail hot spots, High Street in Armadale and Chapel St, make it a location that delivers the best of both worlds: high end sophistication and urban soul.
"The leafy, tree-lined streets with beautiful Victorian and Edwardian homes give it classic charm," says Maikousis.
"You've got a great mix of young couples, families, and long-time locals who all appreciate the convenience of being close to the city but still having their own peaceful village vibe."
Residents are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining out with an evolving food scene filled with standout restaurants.
Mount Erica Hotel has a buzzy vibe with courtyards perfect for alfresco dining all year round. In nearby Armadale, charming classics like the Orrong Hotel, a 150-year-old art deco pub, stand proud.
Andrew McConnell's boutique grocer Morning Market has taken up residency in the village, offering locals everything from pantry staples to gourmet meals to freshly cut flowers.
The suburb also has great access to public transport, sought-after schools, and the arts scene.
A blend of heritage and character
Residential architecture in Prahran East is predominantly a mix of single storey Victorian and Edwardian terrace houses, with larger double storey terraces located closer to the main shopping strips.
"A lot of young couples buy a charming single-front Victorian or Edwardian here to start with, and when it's time to upgrade, they nearly always want to stay," says Maikousis.
"Most people end up renovating or extending rather than moving because the location is just unbeatable.
"It's not uncommon for long-time locals to encourage their kids to buy here, knowing it's not only a fantastic lifestyle but a smart investment too."
Due to this popularity, the suburb has been an attractive choice for developers keen to offer buyers an alternative residential option.
Managing Director of Abadeen, Andrew Leoncelli, says the suburb was a top choice for his latest development due to its "local village" feel.
"We chose Prahran East as the site for Grandview because it is one of the most incredible local villages in the inner south eastern suburbs," says Mr Leoncelli.
Mr Leoncelli believes the development will appeal to buyers who love the area, but are unable to purchase a stand-alone house.
"We offer a more affordable option to young professional couples who want two-to-three bedrooms with secure car spaces, but can't afford the small cottage homes that are typically in need of a renovation," he says.
"These are basically out-of-reach for buyers who are time-poor and wanting to start a young family."
The next evolution of Prahran East
Director of Marshall White Developments, Leonard Teplin, has worked in the area for 15 years and believes the suburb is undergoing a "significant transformation".
"The area has grown in sophistication with a more curated offering of shops, dining, and lifestyle services," he says.
"The arrival of high-end names like Andrew McConnell, P Johnson Tailors, MCM Studio, and Leaf Store have elevated the local experience."
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Much like its previous evolutions, Mr Teplin says he is witnessing a change in Prahran East's property landscape with buyers seeking out a wider range of housing options.
"The housing landscape is evolving, with a move away from investor-style apartments and toward larger, architecturally designed homes."
Mr Teplin says he is seeing an increase in downsizers and professional couples seeking out boutique developments that offer them the best of both worlds: house-sized living and luxury amenities.
"These buyers are looking for move-in-ready homes with no renovation required," he says. "The ability to customise, combined with the boutique scale of developments, adds to the appeal."
When he looks towards the future, Mr Teplin sees Prahran East remaining a tightly-held, low-density suburb, known for its character and exceptional lifestyle offering.
"There's a genuine sense of community here that continues to resonate with residents," he says.
