I have just got a Boardman Hyb 8.8 for commuting.

Single ring (1x 10) , Carbon fork and decent shimano hydro brakes.

It will take guards and can probably tackle anything you could manage on a gravel/cx bike.

It may be a little slower on the roads with a straight bar but as long as you are not bothered about that I find mine perfect.

A similarly equpped adventure type bike had a significant cost premium. I have a hardtail and a road nike so I dont feel like I miss out on options.