17 Glebe Ave is a rare find for sale in Cheltenham.

A historic workers’ cottage bought with a handful of pounds 130 years ago is now a prestige pad with a million dollar-plus price tag.

The Victorian terrace at 17 Glebe Ave has been put on the market with a $1.25-$1.35 million price guide.

That’s a significant price bump since it was originally sold in 1888 for a five pound deposit.

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The property has been transformed since being built in the 1880s.

The vendor added another floor to the property.

Vendor Naomi Adams has original adverts from when the allotment was carved off from the Glebe Estate.

“I understand the property was at one point owned by a consulate general, who used it as a house and living quarters for his maids,” Ms Adams said.

“He lived on the street at No. 5, which is still very grand with wide staircases and 150 year old pine trees in the backyard.”

Ms Adams transformed the humble abode into a modern family pad during her 20 years living at the property.

The house was once maids’ quarters for a consulate general.

The property was subdivided from a large estate in 1888.

She renovated downstairs and added a second storey, while still retaining its traditional charm.

“The only change we made to the facade was the colours, but we continued the heritage theme downstairs while making it modern and spacious,” Ms Adams said.

Hodges Sandringham director Angus Graham said the elegant home was a rare find in Cheltenham.

It has a $1.25-$1.35 million price guide.

A formal living room was turned into the main bedroom.

“A buyer’s advocate called me saying he didn’t realise this type of house existed in Cheltenham and he compared it to terraces in Albert Park and Middle Park,” Mr Graham said.

“It’s one of the few streets in the suburb that has these period homes, so we’ve had strong numbers and positive feedback from families and downsizers.”

The house, named Clonard, boasts four large bedrooms including a large main suite at the front. It has open-plan living at the rear that flows out to manicured gardens.

Period homes like this are rare in Cheltenham.

It’s in an established pocket of the suburb, with direct laneway access to the Cheltenham Golf Course.

The property has only been sold eight times in its history and it is scheduled to go to auction on March 30.

SUBURB PROFILE: Cheltenham

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