Presenting this remarkable property, a unique and rare offering, this Heritage Listed residence is on a grand scale. Facing the Scott Parade reserve is a gracious English bond solid brick residence...
Presenting this remarkable property, a unique and rare offering, this Heritage Listed residence is on a grand scale. Facing the Scott Parade reserve is a gracious English bond solid brick residence c.1884.The property was designed by the renowned Ballarat architectural firm of Caselli and Figgis and was purpose built as a Female Refuge, or rescue home. The home has been beautifully restored, while at the same time retaining the formality of the original design.
The property offers two separate residences, consisting of the substantial two storey residence facing Scott Parade, and a two-bedroom apartment opening onto Johns Street.
After entering the spacious entry hall of the main residence, which is highlighted by the broad staircase; to the right is the grand former board room with a suitably ornate fire surround, tall skirting boards and cornice. On the same large scale on the left-hand side of the entry hall is the spectacular master bedroom. This special room has a double aspect, with a bay window overlooking the garden and a pair of tall windows looking out onto Scott Parade. Both the ceiling and walls in this room are lined with pressed metal and the flooring is parquet - a truly special room.
The former Matrons room, now the downstairs bathroom, has an original bath of large proportions and an American antique wash basin (not original) All of the other rooms on the ground floor are large, open and airy, the floors throughout the residence are kauri pine, the large kitchen/dining area has a butlers pantry with both sink and dishwasher, the dining area has leadlight windows lit with antique light fittings.
Off the kitchen is an easterly-outlook conservatory, often used as a breakfast room. It has an ornate tessellated floor, a leadlight door and sun streaming in of a morning. Towards the back of the house is a spacious studio/laundry with 14ft ceilings (formerly the maternity hospital).
Originally, the home had fourteen bedrooms; each big enough for a single bed and small side table. Over time, dividing walls were removed leading to the present day when the home could have up to eight bedrooms or an office, a sewing room. Upstairs is a large room which could be used for table tennis, pool table, or perhaps a theatre.
Shortly after the opening of the home, a steam laundry was built at the rear of the home. In exchange for their room and board, the resident girls were required to work in the steam laundry. Located at the rear of the property the laundry once included a boiler and an industrial chimney, both lost over time. Fortunately, the large industrial scale mangle has survived. The mangle with a 3 ft diameter x 10 ft long roller is now encased with viewing windows. It is a magnificent feature in the two-bedroom apartment, located in the former laundry. The kitchen, dining area, lounge and bathroom are spacious and light, with modern appliances. The apartment, like the larger two storey home, has hydronic heating, generous spaces and modern features mixed with high ceilings and, passing through double doors one enters a private walled garden. A wonderful, modern apartment with an industrial atmosphere.
This unique property is located on 2061sqm of land and is only minutes to the CBD, train station, shops, cafes and all amenities, as Ballarat is a 15 minute city, everything you need is only 15 minutes away.
The home is surrounded by stunning established gardens, complete with a working fountain, established trees and lawn areas. Garden days and garden parties will be like no other once you have been to this property.
The rear street access off Johns Street allows for plenty of secure off- street parking including a two-car garage. Other substantial features are the 25,000 litre underground water tank servicing the house garden, and a 5,000 litre tank for the apartment, solar panels, and security cameras. Needless to say there is ample lockup shedding and a large workshop area.
Landmark properties such as this rarely come onto the market, don’t miss your opportunity to purchase a fascinating piece of Ballarat’s history and live life on a grand scale.
Please contact exclusive selling agent Mark Nunn from Buxton Ballarat to arrange your own private viewing.
