By Carole Levy
This period residence is awash with sophistication, yet has so much charm and character that the combination of elements delivers a truly beautiful and distinctive place to live. And the corner block of 3450 square metres, on two titles in three separate crown allotments (with development potential), has stunning gardens.
Once a hotel, the house is entered via french doors off the wraparound verandah from the back. And quite an entry it is. Under an angled ceiling of white painted boards and beams, an informal carpeted living room adjoins the fab kitchen. Banks of multi-paned windows run right across the back and wrap around to a lovely breakfast nook on the other side of the kitchen.
178 High Street, Woodend 3442
- Keatings Real Estate: 5427 2999
- Price: $1.575 million
- Private sale
- Find out more about this property on domain.com.au
The kitchen, with dark polished floorboards underfoot, is a joy. It has a butler’s pantry, a long timber bench topping superb cabinetry and sitting under a trio of mod-industrial pendants, an Ilve cooker set in an island bench, a Miele dishwasher and more cabinetry set within a chimney breast.
At the centre of the house is a full-width living room under an angled boarded ceiling inset with a pair of remarkable leadlight skylights, while the dark floorboards are an ultra-stylish accompaniment. A fireplace with surround is up one end, flanked by a gorgeous window with an extra-deep sill.
From there, six wooden steps rise to a carpeted landing, along which are three fitted bedrooms each with french doors (and concealed flywire) to the front verandah. Two have fireplaces, one has an en suite and the others share a bathroom.
The main bedroom off the informal living room has a large walk-in robe and a chic en suite with floating vanity. The laundry and store room is its neighbour.
Gas hydronic heating, a wood heater and a Daiken split-system provide effective temperature control.
Joined to the back verandah, a large deck juts out towards the gardens which have wonderful mature trees including huge oaks, cottage garden beds, formal hedging and sweeping lawns. Mt Macedon presides in the background.
A pizza oven and mains gas barbecue make their home on the deck, and a bore has good flow to keep gardens green and lush.
Automatic gates allow access to a double garage, and there’s a workshop, carport and wood store.
