48 Forest Street, Woodend

“Hounslow” Circa 1870

A Victorian Grand Residence on Half an Acre (approx.) in the Heart of Town – Truly a Unique Offering

Price Range $1,950,000 to $2,145,000

Expressions of Interest by Friday 28 November at 3 pm (Unless Sold Prior)

Step inside to an era when beauty, quality and fine craftmanship were paramount.  This elegant double fronted Victorian timber classic home features traditional high ceilings, coloured leadlight glass panels, ornate ceiling roses with chandeliers, grand bedrooms, and no less than five working open fire places with mantles – all of this on a half acre (approx) block of land right in the very heart of Woodend. 

The extensive and long-established gardens create a private and tranquil oasis just steps away from Woodend’s High Street and feature a rich variety of trees, shrubs, flowers and bulbs typical of an older-style Woodend property - pleasant surprises emerging throughout the seasons as Mother Nature works her magic year after year.

The home is approached by a sweeping apple tree-lined driveway which leads to the covered double carport at the rear.  The western garden runs alongside a delightful covered al fresco terrace which can be accessed from the kitchen or via twin sets of French doors from the main entertaining rooms. The alfresco terrace is a peaceful place for quiet contemplation, reading, listening to birdlife, or for gatherings with friends.

The 3 bedrooms are breathtaking in their architectural intricacies.  Tastefully painted and appointed, with enchanting light fixtures and generous original sash windows, they exude an aura redolent of  Victorian times, but yet are warm and inviting in today’s world.  All bedrooms are accessed off the wide central hallway.

The grand main bedroom has a large walk-in robe and ensuite. The other two bedrooms are similarly grand in their proportions and have peaceful garden views. The combined formal sitting room and dining room (formerly a fourth bedroom and sitting room) are graced by a magnificent archway and have been used many times for musical concerts and opera performances over the years.  With gas ducted heating throughout the house, in addition to the open fireplaces, the home is warm and cosy in the colder months but cool and airy during summer.

The spacious open-plan kitchen and informal dining area was modernised some years ago and features a large walk-in storeroom and separate pantry.  An old wood combustion oven, still in working order, is another reminder of bygone days. Through a timber doorway is a second bathroom (bath and shower) and nearby is a separate toilet.  Adjoining is a big laundry room with loads of storage space.

 “Hounslow” has been lovingly and comprehensively restored by the current owner during their 25 year custodianship of the grand old home and is wonderfully charming and comfortable in its present state, but still leaves scope for updates, personal touches or other modernisation or enhancement as desired.

Given the land size and its special location so close to everything that Woodend offers, some buyers might consider a refurbishment, an extension or subdivision (Subject to Council Approval).  But with such a warm ambience and so many enchanting and appealing features, other buyers may well consider this to be a rare opportunity to treasure and enhance a Victorian jewel and its gardens, certainly one of the last Victorian-era homes on such a big block in the Woodend township.