Northern beaches properties of the week

On offer is a four-bedroom, two-bathroom home with multiple split-levels and a pool.

"We wanted to create an environment ideal for a young family to grow up in," says Andrew, whose sons are 13 and 15. "It's a five-minute drive to Manly Beach, and 300 metres to the bus. Our kids are extremely active and given it's so close to the beaches, pool and Manly, it worked out perfectly."

It's a home that packs a punch. "It can be quite deceiving from the outside looking in. From the front it looks like a normal townhouse but once you walk through, most people are surprised at what's behind the facade." It's up for auction on December 4 through Steve Lambley of Cunninghams with a guide of $3.5 million.

ALSO READ: See inside celeb chef Peter Gilmore's house of the week

When Chris Dunphy first laid eyes on 182 Ocean Street, Narrabeen back in 1978, the suburb was still a sleepy little village. He purchased a small, single storey home so he could indulge regularly in his love for surfing. Over the years, the house has been gutted and a storey added.

Now retired, Chris, a former marketing executive at an automotive company says: "There aren't too many places in Sydney where you can get a house 50 metres from the beach and 300 metres to the lake. It's unique. I just wheel my kayak down to the lake. It's not hilly so you can ride a push bike or walk anywhere."

The four-bedroom, two-bathroom home is scheduled for auction on November 30 through Matt Brady of Domain Residential with a guide of $3.5 million.

If you love the tradition and history of Federation homes, you may be interested in the five-bedroom, four-bathroom home at 13 Birkley Road, Manly, first built in 1910.

When Sally Turnbull first bought it in 1980, she was attracted to the Federation features, marble fireplaces and original stained glass windows. Since then, she's brought up six children in the home and renovated it while honouring its architectural heritage, including keeping the slate roof.

"It's bright and airy and close to everything like the shops and the beach," says Sally, a former nurse, who swims at the beach every day.

"My favourite room is the downstairs lounge room. It gets lovely sea breezes, looks out over the beach and has a balcony where we spend a lot of time."

The home will be auctioned on November 27 through Georgi Bates at Cunninghams with a guide of $4 million.

Finance executive Kris Bernie and his wife Sarah, an executive assistant, have called 147 Balgowlah Road, Balgowlah home since 2009. Along with their daughter, 11, the couple have loved the home's proximity to amenities.

"It's walking distance to Manly West Public School, the cafes are nearby and it's a flat walk to the beach," says Kris. "I go to the beach almost daily, I walk or cycle down, have a swim and watch the sunrise. We've travelled around most of the cities in Australia and offshore but we definitely wanted the lifestyle of being able to work in the city but also be near the beach."

The three-bedroom, two-bathroom home features floor to ceiling glass bifold doors that spill into a deck and level backyard. It will be auctioned on December 4 through Jake Rowe of Rowe Partners, with a guide of $2.5 million.

Careel Bay is one of Sydney's hidden gems. With boats bobbing in the quaint marina and gentle waters lapping at the shore, this area is stunning. It's been home to Malcolm Mors and his wife Fiona for the past four years.

The couple completed a new build at 97 George Street, Avalon Beach resulting in a five-bedroom, two-bathroom home with a double garage and spacious backyard. "With the north aspect, it's beautiful looking at the water especially the sunsets, and the lights reflecting on the water from Palm Beach at night," says Malcolm, now retired as a managing director of a power generation company.

It's been a handy spot as they had a boat on a mooring nearby. "We can just wheel our kayak 400 metres and drop it in the water." It will be auctioned through Brett Marsden from Bayview Beach with a guide in the high $3 millions.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: