2-6 High Street, Maldon VIC 3463

Property Details: • Type: House

• Bedrooms: 5 • Bathrooms: 5

Description: Behind a picket fence and the stately Elm trees that adorn the nature strip, the grand and elegant Palm House is named in honour of the magnificent palm that stands at its side. Occupying a special place not only in historic Maldon's history, but also that of the State of Victoria, this impressive manor house was built in in 1895 for William Blair Gray, mine owner, member of Victoria's first government and one of Maldon's founding fathers. An outstanding example of goldfields-era architecture and sited on a generous, gently sloping 1166 sqm allotment with dual street access, Palm House is a truly iconic property. The garden-set allotment in the heart of town hosts the block-fronted weatherboard residence over two levels and built on Hornsfele Stone foundations. Currently operating as a prestigious bed and breakfast, street level entry opens from a majestic lace-fringed elevated return verandah through the etched glass paneled doorway into a wide formal entrance hallway filled with the very best of period detail. Instantly apparent is that despite its grandness, Palm House is immensely liveable, its light-filled interior and warm and engaging character inviting a superior quality indoor/outdoor lifestyle that will appeal to the discerning buyer searching for something very special. Soaring 12' ceilings with stunning decorative plaster detail, ornate cornices and archways, original wallpaper, Baltic pine floorboards and five impressive fireplaces with decorative mantles reflect the superb craftsmanship and attention to detail that were hallmarks of an era when Maldon was cresting the wave of the gold boom. There are three stylishly appointed bedrooms, two with an ensuite each, the third with a two-way ensuite to support the office/fourth bedroom. Formerly the grand ballroom, this generous space is now a formal dining/sitting room, perfect for stylish living and entertainment; French doors opening to the north-facing verandah, invite relaxation and alfresco dining and entertainment. A well-appointed guests' kitchenette facilitates food handling and presentation. A flight of stairs leads to the lower level with its grand premier suite with built-in robes and ensuite. A country kitchen with an abundance of white, shaker-style cabinetry below black benchtops, gas and electric cooking, dishwasher, cast-iron wood heater and bluestone feature wall makes cooking and entertaining a pleasure. There's also a cosy sitting room/library with built-in storage, shelving and exposed stone feature walls, house-wide split system heating/cooling, a well-appointed laundry, family bathroom and two additional rooms ideal for office use. The wide, return verandah overlooks gardens that are an oasis. A flight of stairs descends to paved and gravel pathways meandering through gorgeous stone-bordered garden beds filled with colourful cottage and native plants, feature trees including cherry blossoms, ornamental pear trees, vines, citrus and Maples all kept lush via a full irrigation system connected to rainwater tanks with electric pumping. A whimsical rose-covered arbour leads to a lovely vine-draped entertaining area with built-in BBQ. There's a fishpond and glasshouse, two car carport, single car garage with workshop and separate storage room. The property is connected to all town services. Properties of this calibre rarely enter the market and when they do, they command immense interest. Discerning buyers will instantly appreciate not only Palm House's history, beauty, liveability and location within strolling distance to Maldon's town centre, but also its unique flexibility by offering the opportunity to acquire a notable home for family living or, reap the revenue-generating benefits that continuing the successful B&B would provide. This is a once-in-a-lifetime property delivering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.