79 Victoria Road

Kingston VIC 3364

Laurel Bank - an enchanting historic property set in tranquil gardens
"Laurel Bank" is a 20 acre property exuding great charm and character. Nestled near the rural hamlet of Kingston between Ballarat and Daylesford, this slice of heaven harks back to an era reminiscent of old English country living. The strikingly beautiful 1860 triple brick homestead is approached along a white gravel drive flanked by century old elms and sweeping lawns. Originally built by Englishman Richard Ellwood, this main residence took three years in stages to complete. Still standing proudly, this three bedroom home is perfectly suited to family living and entertaining. This residence is presented in excellent order offering well-proportioned rooms. Appealing features include high ceilings, ceiling roses, French doors, open fireplaces and double-hung sash windows suffusing natural light. All rooms enjoy vistas over the picturesque grounds. The quaint kitchen/dining room features exposed brick walls and was the first room built, initially serving as the bedroom, kitchen and parlour. These days this spacious room acts as a kitchen and dining room. The family living room and formal sitting room have been superbly decorated and appointed in neutral tones. Hydronic heating services every room. Attractive traditional outbuildings (barn, stables and smokehouse) are suited to a variety of uses. The old stable block once housed prize-winning Clydesdales and bears their hallmark with smooth cobbled riverstone flooring. One end of the stable facility leads through to a sizeable tack room. This property provides an attractive proposition for those wishing to keep horses, especially given its rested rich volcanic soil paddocks. Two romantic semi-detached guest cottages built in 1986 complete this picturesque setting. Each period style cottage comprises of a cosy sitting room with Coonara wood heater, double bedroom, kitchen and bathroom. As with the rest of the property, this location affords spectacular garden and countryside views. The homestead is graced by several evocative garden rooms over five acres. The current owners have undertaken extensive work over the past 20 years to create elegant park like surrounds. Traces of the original 1860s garden remain including an old laurel magnolia, spindle tree and two hollies. Lush perennial border plantings, a scented formal David Austin rose garden, a white garden, hedges and avenues of trees complete the picture. Town water is connected to the property. Four rainwater tanks each of a 3000 gallon capacity and a bore serve to drought-proof the grounds.This peaceful property is an easy 90 minutes drive from Melbourne and well positioned to explore tourist attractions in Daylesford and Ballarat. With scope for alternative uses, this unique package offers a rare opportunity for a most discerning buyer.