204 Mill Street, Lake Wendouree, Vic 3350

Set in a rare and expansive land holding of verdant grounds, just steps from beautiful Lake Wendouree, the hospitals and university precinct and some of Ballarat’s most elite schools, ‘Gannerew’ c1883 is a historically significant High Victorian family residence.

Designed by Terry and Oakden, the esteemed architects of such landmarks as The Melbourne Club, Myer Melbourne and St Pauls Cathedral, there are few residential properties in Australia that share this remarkable legacy. 

This trophy property has been meticulously restored by the current owners visionary expertise to its former glory and only the best heritage architects, engineers and trades were employed to bring ‘Gannerew’ back to life. 

‘Gannerew’ offers 5 bedrooms, three bathrooms and fabulous flexibility with multiple living zones. From the gracious formal sitting room including a jaw dropping 1883 restored chandelier, marble fireplace and stunning bay windows, to the vast family living room with wood fire and access to both the south and western verandas, to the purpose built entertainers dining room with Chiminee Phillipe and French doors opening to lush gardens and finally the cosy snug in the guest wing that, if required, can be completely self contained accommodation. This prestigious corner allotment provides space for all options of multigenerational living. 

Elaborate original features including rare celery top floorboards throughout, 40 cm moulded skirting boards, ornate ceiling roses, deep cornicing, etched glass, hipped verandas, 4.6 metre ceilings and marble fireplaces have all been preserved to compliment the modern luxuries required for contemporary living such as ambient hydronic heating split over two circuits and double glazed windows. 

At the heart of the home, the designer kitchen showcases 5 Smeg ovens, gas range and professional exhaust, two dishwashers and two Shaws of Darwin fireclay sinks all complemented by a 2.6 metre marble island with a thick butchers block profile and Perrin and Rowe tap ware. An easily accessible hatch reveals a small cellar for the astute collector. Ample storage is spread across both the kitchen and butlers pantry and the rooms are filled with natural light making them both highly functional for any scale of entertaining yet a beautiful and inviting space for simple family gatherings.

The kitchen overlooks the highly desirable secure motor court, and detached box room and coach house which are used as an artists studio and garaging. These buildings are covered in spectacular old Pierre de Ronsard climbing roses. A private and paved area for outdoor entertaining, lush lawns, established trees and century old shrubs and bulbs complete the well maintained and expansive gardens with room for further enhancements such as a pool.

The guest wing overlooks the gardens and is a serene and light filled oasis with a bedroom, study nook, ensuite bathroom and cosy snug. Three further bedrooms with open fireplaces are complimented by a family bathroom which includes a rainfall Perrin and Rowe shower and cast iron clawfoot bath. All bathrooms, and the laundry and butlers pantry have natural stone flooring. Finally, the master suite, with an open fireplace, enjoys a luxe walk in robe and ensuite. 

This will only be the fourth time in Gannerew’s 141 year history it will change hands and truly represents a once in a lifetime opportunity in this very tightly held pocket of Lake Wendouree. Offers Invited