Behind the character-filled heritage façade of this early Victorian era home lies a surprisingly expansive interior.

Built around 1860 on solid bluestone foundations, the double brick and timber property is set in popular Soldiers Hill on a beautifully landscaped block of approx. 556m2. The home was renovated in the early 1970s, retaining the period features at the front of the home while adding expansive timber lined spaces at the rear.

This is a lovely home where you can imagine sitting on the front veranda looking out over a charming streetscape and across to the hills to the south. Framing the view is the rose arbour over the front entrance with twin red Japanese maples and silver birches on either side.

Stepping into the elegant entrance hall you’ll find two large bedrooms filled with period charm. High ceilings of pressed metal, picture rails, moulded skirting, double glazed sash windows and the warm tones of the polished timber flooring invoke a feeling of comfort, peace, and nostalgia. Both rooms are warmed by slimline wall heaters. Both bedrooms have a skylight so natural light floods in.

The family bathroom is light, bright and functional, with all necessary elements including a bath, offering a large space for your personal touch.

At the end of the hallway, step into the renovated space of the kitchen and living areas. The warmth of timber-lined cathedral ceilings, window surrounds and the overlooking mezzanine give the room a cosy feeling despite its spaciousness. Light fills this area and an open fire beckons you in to relax.

The timber kitchen offers gas cooking, dishwasher and walk in pantry. Large windows look out to the landscaped gardens and flood the room with natural light. A dining area next to the kitchen basks in light from a skylight and glass picture windows looking out to the gardens. Well-placed nearby is a capacious laundry with extensive storage space.

A third bedroom is adjacent to the lounge and this one is ideal for teenagers or anyone who needs a private retreat. Inside the bedroom, like the entrance to a secret world, is a stairway to the loft and mezzanine floor. Currently used as a study, the loft in its previous incarnations has been a bedroom retreat and studio. The window to the north provides an amazing view over rooftops, gardens and across to the hills. From the loft you can enter the mezzanine which overlooks the lounge. It’s large enough to use as a reading nook, with room for bookcases and a comfy chair.

The north facing rear windows ensure that the sun during winter warms the rear living section and in summer the trees on the western side keep the house sheltered and cool.

The front and rear gardens have been extensively landscaped and lead into an unexpected haven. The multi-level garden holds a variety of mature trees and established planting offering a range of sunny and shaded areas with bulbs of all types flowering throughout most of the year. The brick-paved courtyard is inviting and the sunken outdoor dining space with built-in BBQ is ideal for entertaining.

Over the last two years, improvements to the home include:

Re-wiring most of the house

Upgrading the switchboard and smoke alarms

Updating internal and external plumbing

Safety checking the gas heater

Installing an electric garage roller door.

Installing security doors front and rear as well as flywire screens

Resurfacing of the driveway

Extra features of the home include a single car garage, and a gas-heated workshop.

This is a unique home which offers the opportunity to extend (STCA) by adding a second storey for greater views over Ballarat. Close to transport, schools and Lake Wendouree, this charming and character-filled home is waiting for you. Book a private inspection today by calling Vicky Vermeend on 0439 965 311.

If you are a resident from a Stage 4 lockdown area and are interested in this property, please contact us so that we can arrange a virtual tour instead. For more information about how we are navigating the current situation please visit https://www.jelliscraig.com.au/blog/coronavirus-updates.

Land size: 556 Square Metres approx.