An eclectic home in a charming regional Victorian town has hit the market, and dog lovers will appreciate one special feature that’s been built into the home.
Described as a “timeless treasure” in the listing, the character-filled 19th century house is sprinkled with playful touches with nostalgic appeal, but still has all the comforts of a modern home.
The three-bedroom house includes whimsical details throughout, including colourful leadlight windows and light fittings and an outdoor bathtub, as well as ornate fireplaces.
The period property has been carefully updated to retain its heritage while adding creative flair, including a candy-striped bathroom and a pleasing pastel paint job.
![26 Templeton St, Maldon, Vic 3463](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 800 450"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The bathroom has been updated with a cheery renovation. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
Sales agent Edward Carthew of Carthew Real Estate said the property was originally a nursing hospital dating back to the 1850s before being reconfigured as a residence.
“It’s been renovated throughout and beautifully maintained, and it’s on one of Maldon’s better streets,” he said.
The home's interiors have been lovingly updated to preserve its heritage charm. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
It has a traditional layout at the front with a cosy yet spacious living room and three bedrooms, and an open-plan kitchen with timber benchtops and light-filled dining room in the rear.
That’s where prospective buyers will find a handy addition hidden away beside the back door that will appeal to dog lovers.
A light-filled open-plan kitchen and dining room has a hidden feature. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
Instead of compromising the clean look of the glass door by installing a standard doggy-door for their pooch, the artistic owner cut a pint-sized doorway into the weatherboards to allow her dog Neo, who's somewhat of a local celebrity, to let himself into the backyard.
The owner has built a custom doggy door into the house for Neo, her Staffordshire terrier. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
The owners’ attention to detail extends to the tiny timber door itself, which features period handles and is set in a stone-clad archway.
“She decided to make it look like a separate entrance, hence why it's got the stone look from the outside,” Mr Carthew said.
A rainbow of plush toys is one of the home's many eclectic decorations. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
The quirky home is furnished and decorated throughout with the same sense of wonder.
Highlights including a rainbow of plush toys hanging from the ceiling in one of the bedrooms, a particularly unusual fox sculpture, and countless unique paintings adoring every room.
The artist owner has styled the property with quirky pieces, many of her own creation. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
“Nearly all the work on the walls and the stained glass windows are hers,” Mr Carthew said. “She’s got a particular flair.”
The house is set on a spacious 1000sqm block with cottage gardens bursting with colour.
A self-contained studio could be used for accomodation or as a workspace. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
There’s a self-contained studio in the backyard that’s ideal as guest accommodation or artist’s workspace.
After living in the home for about a decade, the owner has decided to move back to Melbourne to be closer to family, Mr Carthew said.
Pops of colour are scattered throughout the property, including on the deck where this clawfoot tub provides the perfect spot to relax. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
“She loves Maldon but wants to do a bit of inner city living,” he said.
The property has been listed for sale with a $1,000,000 to $1,050,000 price guide.
The home's cottage gardens are bursting with colour. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
Maldon is situated a little over 90 minutes northwest of Melbourne and has a population of 1381.
It’s known for the historic gold rush-era buildings lining its main street that have been lovingly preserved, as well as its arts scene, and its proximity to Melbourne makes it a popular destination for getaways.
Maldon's iconic Bushells Building, which features a shop downstairs and a home upstairs, recently sold for $1 million. Picture: realestate.com.au/sold
“On the weekend it’s extremely busy, and because it’s less than 2 hours from Melbourne it attracts a lot of interest from people who want to semi-retire there.”
The town has a median sale price of $750,000, which remained relatively flat over the past year but is about 50% higher than four years ago owing to demand from an influx of tree changers that flocked there over the past few years.