On Saturday August 29, 1914, political activist Vida Goldstein led an open-air rally on the corner of Monomeath Avenue and Canterbury Road, Canterbury calling on women (and men) to vote for her in the forthcoming federal election.

Ms Goldstein was the first female candidate to stand for parliament in the then British empire and she chose the seat of Kooyong to make her push, saying women needed their own representatives and that none of the established parties was dealing with the issues that affected half the population.

She was unsuccessful - and, 103 years on, Kooyong has never had a female member - but this patch of affluent Melbourne has entrenched itself over the past century as a base for many of Melbourne's most powerful businesspeople and politicians, including Andrew Peacock and Sir Rupert Hamer.

Since Goldstein's day, Monomeath Avenue has become the suburb's most sought-after street and the oak trees that were only three years old when she spoke are now a century-old canopy fronting a mix of grand contemporary houses and a few remnant Edwardians.

Canterbury's enduring appeal is its mix of beautiful housing, wide, tree-lined streets and one of Melbourne's sweetest local shopping centres - Maling Road. Good access to trams, trains and many private schools only add to Canterbury's drawcards.

Ten kilometres east of the city, its five square kilometres house only about 8000 people - and they live amid some beautiful parkland, including Canterbury Gardens, Boroondara Park and the lovely walking paths along the Outer Circle Railway Anniversary Trail.

31 Mangarra Avenue

Photo: Marshall White

5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 3 car spaces$4.7 million+

Elegant Colclough is 105 years old and its slate roof remains, as do beautiful original windows, fireplaces and detailed ceilings. Welcome modern details include a large back living area and kitchen which open to the huge garden, trampoline and pool.

Auction: 1.30pm, April 1

Agent: Marshall White 8862 4929, Chris Barrett 0412 927 409

5 Grange Avenue

Photo: Image Factory

4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 car spaces$4.95 million

Only 20 years old, this large Edwardian-style house has huge formal and informal living areas and a bay-windowed study on the ground floor. Two bedrooms, including the main, are on the ground level and another two and a rumpus room upstairs.

Agent: Kay & Burton 8862 8001, Rebecca Edwards 0423 759 481