93 Forest Street

This is your opportunity to own one of Bendigo's premier residences, "Biralee" on Forest Street. Historical documents reveal Biralee has only had three owners in its 160-year history, including three generations of the Mackay family, early investors in the Bendigo Advertiser and Beehive department store. This is the first time this magnificent property has been offered for sale in 30 years. Biralee on Forest Street, circa 1860s, is testament to the wealth and architectural splendour from the Victorian gold-rush era. This majestic 5 bedroom treasure sits on estate-style land with two titles, measuring circa 2,050 square metres. The charming tree-lined laneway access leads to three car semi-enclosed carport with power connected, concrete flooring and twin roller doors. The grounds feature established park-like English gardens with a 150-year-old oak tree (estimated) with its magnificent canopy, meandering pathways, a tranquil Zen garden, pond, above ground swimming pool, rainwater tanks and secure fencing. There is even a Pizza oven! There have been extensive upgrades to roofing, electrical wiring and plumbing. In addition, the fully self-contained second residence makes this property unique, providing accommodation for aged parents, extended family or as an income stream from long term tenants or short-term business accommodation. The main residence features: Magnificent 19th-century architecture incorporating double brick walls, Baltic pine flooring, lead lighting and soaring pressed-metal ceilings; A modern chef-quality open plan kitchen and family dining features restaurant-style utensil racks, Asko dishwasher, ILVE 900mm-wide dual-fuel cooker, a full-sized pantry room, and is air conditioned for your comfort; A second pantry; this one is galley style and charming, adorned with original mesh-fronted cabinetry and floor-to-ceiling cupboards; A grand formal lounge and dining room with pressed-metal ceilings; a gas-log fire and the original marble fireplace are further refinements in this graceful and inviting room, where fully-lined silk drapes frame an eight-panel conservatory-style bay window; The hallway with traditional arch, lit by a modern skylight, leads to the spacious and versatile sitting room featuring a box-bay window, custom-made shutters and premium quality Axminster carpet; A comfortable main bedroom retreat with open fire, built-in robes, modern ensuite with freestanding oval bath, frameless shower and floating vanity; Expansive executive office with built-in storage, data points and NBN; A super-sized laundry with a hobby bench, storage galore, a second bathroom, and an interconnecting door to the second residence; An underground cellar, large enough for the most avid collector of wines, where the temperature hovers around 13°C for optimal wine storage. The spacious second residence features: Superior comfort with mobility accessibility providing independent living for family members and guests; A separate driveway and entrance, private courtyard, easy access ramp, hardwood timber flooring, central heating and reverse-cycle air-conditioning; Generous open-plan living and dining plus a full-sized kitchen with ample storage, a dishwasher and a user-friendly wall oven; A light-filled carpeted bedroom where a bay window overlooks the lovely English garden; An easy access bathroom, a separate laundry and a study nook complete the fully self-contained home unit/granny flat that has been purpose-designed to complement the main residence. Location and lifestyle: If you are in search of a tranquil & private property offering a convenient inner-city location, being able to stroll to the arts precinct, cafes, restaurants, Queen Elizabeth Oval, Rosalind Park and the city centre, then "Biralee Forest Street" is a property you should explore. Minutes from Girton Grammar School, Bendigo Senior Secondary College, Catherine McAuley College, Bendigo Hospital and St John of God Hospital. Close to childcare, public transport, theatres, galleries and so much more. Biralee on tree-lined Forest Street has been admired by many but only few have been able to call it "home". This is your opportunity to become its next custodian. Call Andrew today to arrange your private viewing. Contact Andrew Pearce on 0419 544 251 for more information.