5 Fletcher Street

Guildford VIC 3451

This beautiful, charming and historic home has been nestled in Guildford village since the 1880s when it was once The Farmers Arms Hotel, built and operated by the Swiss-Italian emigre (and district icon) Prospero Passalaqua. In 1919, the next generation of the Passalaqua family converted the hotel into a family home, adding the matchless Edwardian brick frontispiece that so captivates to this day. Arrive at the home via the south end of Ballarat Street (a left turn at Big Tree, the National Trust's current "Tree of the Year") and discover the immense appeal of Villa Passalaqua, tucked away at the end of a cul-de-sac.

The inviting entryway leads to a broad Castlemaine slate terrace set beneath a classic grapevine-laden pergola, a truly divine outdoor entertaining area that feels like Tuscany in country Victoria! A panelled French door now leads you into the exquisite heart of this home, the wonderful open plan kitchen, living and dining room. In the character-filled kitchen, timber-clad cove ceiling and walls in lovely soft white are a testament to the original kitchen of The Farmers Arms of 1882, but now with 21st-century accompaniments - freestanding gas cooktop and oven, stainless steel rangehood, timber benchtops, dishwasher, rich timber floors, picture windows to the greenery beyond, all creating an enticing space and feeling of sanctuary. And you can serve your garden guests through the bi-fold servery window that opens out to the alfresco patio.

In the beguiling ambience of the adjoining dining and living spaces, year-round comfort is assured, with a ceiling fan, stunning Nectre N60 solid wood heater and split system air conditioner. From all of this, delightful French doors open out to a privately screened, west-facing deck. From its central hallway, Villa Passalaqua enjoys two exquisite period bedrooms, both wonderfully spacious, high-ceilinged, richly timber floored, both with a gentle, evocatively neutral decor, and both enjoying fabulous light flooding in from multiple windows. Is the second of them a family bedroom, an exquisite personal retreat, or maybe a relaxed & quiet guest room? Perhaps all three! Certainly, its period, timber-framed open fireplace adds a magical enchantment. More glowing timber benches and cabinetry in the central bathroom, along with a toilet, shower/bath, and Euro-style lab basin, make for a super family bathroom. Sensationally, as well, Villa Passalaqua is also on town water! And with gas ducted heating too.