27-29 Preston Street

Geelong West VIC 3218

A once in a lifetime opportunity, this landmark home displays opulence and grandeur with unique and bespoke features throughout. Originally built by Geelong West Mayor G. J. Searle Circa 1880, it has retained all of its original ornate Victorian features. Currently the long term family residence of an internationally renowned realist artist, the home has been lovingly restored to its former glory and the home itself is a truly inspired work of art.

Location, Location, Location:
Less than 300m away, the vibrant Pakington Street is Geelong's own little slice of Melbourne offering quality cafe's, fine dining and boutique shopping, whilst the Geelong waterfront and train station are a short stroll under 500m from the doorstep, making this a truly prized location.

A one of a kind home complete with the original maids' quarters, stables, charming brick outhouse, all-weather gazebo with deck and set on nearly 900m2, the estate is the crowning jewel of Geelong West.

The striking facade with return veranda, manicured landscapes and ornate wrought iron fence are just the beginning when it comes to the features within the residence.

Upon entry you'll be met by a stunning lead light front door, where the home then draws you into an expansive central hall boasting towering 13ft ceilings, elaborate architraves, skirts and doors with original 140 yr old hand painted timber grain, decorative formal arch with 24kt goldleaf moulding, original Oregon timber floors, hand painted dado and reaching beyond is a large corbelled cornice, complimented by an ornate 3-dimensional oval ceiling rose.

A traditional Victorian layout sees all the bedrooms accessed direct from the hall, all continuing the ornate features of the hall, hand painted in their own design. All rooms include mantled fireplaces, for a total of 5 throughout the home, along with luxurious Victorian curtains in each. The master bedroom includes large walk-in robe and has direct access into the recently refurbished family bathroom, complete with classic cistern and chain, separate bath and marble top vanity.

Step back in time as you enter the "Grand Drawing Room", the largest of the original design and effectively an active art installation, tipping its hat to the grand statement that the room would have once made. The ornate features are all present here and the ceiling rose and cornice have been masterfully hand painted, with 24kt gold and rose gold embellishments, further adding to the opulence.

At the end of the hall, a grand addition compliments the original home with its design and classic features, yet the vast open plan is more iconic of modern living. The dining is set within a bay window below a towering turret that, like the Sistine chapel, has had its ceiling recreated into a work of art. The windows across the back of the home allow views over the expansive rear yard.

A classic Baltic kitchen with black granite benchtops and high-end appliances, including a falcon classic 110cm stove/oven and Smeg dishwasher, has had a few quirky alterations to give a salute to the 50's diner culture, whilst a butlers walk in pantry has the original underfloor food storage/cellar.
A single car remote garage with additional workshop is attached to the home.

Outside, the spacious yard offers plenty of options for entertaining, from the gazebo with cafe blinds and extendable deck, to the West facing private courtyard, brick paved and featuring a magnificent 30-year-old espalier crab apple tree, or plenty of open grass to enjoy the sunshine on.

Stables:
The original stable / tack rooms have been meticulously restored, leaving some of the original features including bi-opening barn doors, hardwood truss and cobblestone path paying homage to its previous life. This area is now an arts studio and a work shop with power and plumbing for any hobbyist or visionary wishing to utilise the space differently.

Maids' quarters:
There would be very few properties in the country that would still have the original maids' quarters intact. Also lovingly restored, this building is a great teenagers retreat, hobby room or just additional area for storage.

A large garden shed, manicured gardens, pop up sprinkler system, loveseat, lion head fountain, restored outhouse with working cistern and established trees complete the rear yard and combine to make this a private sanctuary in the heart of Geelong West.

This home is one of a kind and restored with so much love and attention to detail, you really need to experience it for yourself.

Call Dion Plumb on 0424 940 629 to learn more.