3 High Street, Healesville, Vic 3777

The perfect example of a match made in heaven, this country house built in 1917 has had a meticulous renovation to create a warm, inviting and practical home, that will see it through its next century.

Originally built as a weekend home for Sir John Swanson, the master builder who constructed many iconic buildings of Melbourne; it then passed into the hands of the Josephite nuns, who lived in the building for decades.   Luckily, there was little alteration carried out over that time, and so when the current owner purchased the home, there were many of the beautiful features remaining.  Known more as The Convent, than by its official name Swanson House, it is a landmark of Healesville, which has grown around it.

A fabulous foundation on which to renew the old and add the new; the work completed ensures the historic charm winds its way throughout the home, while sympathetic renovations allow for modern day family life.

Walking through the gates, the home's character is apparent, with an elegant garden setting the scene.  Wide verandas welcome you to the home, and it would be easy to see yourself sitting in a wicker chair enjoying a beverage of choice.

The grand entrance hall is enhanced by soaring 12 ft ceilings that continue throughout the home, pressed metal ceilings, stained glass windows, and lovely floorboards.   Two large bedrooms are located  each side of the foyer, with two more bedrooms down the hall.

Ahead is the lovely library room, with garden views, and exposed redbrick chimney complete with gas log fire.  An easy space to relax with friends and family or sit and read a book on a cold winter's day.

Leaving this space the journey from one century to the next continues and the modern-day wow factor really kicks in.

The newly configured kitchen, dining and family room can only be described as stunning!  A complete masterclass in blending old and new, with no detail left spared...In fact,  heaven is in the detail of this whole renovation, with even the long-gone nuns having to agree!

The recently discovered chimney and lining boards of the ceiling add authenticity to the space, as do the wooden floorboards throughout.  The huge island bench anchors the space, with beautiful cabinetry running the length of the south wall.  This is a space built with hospitality in mind, and to maximise the stunning views to the west.  Many a sunset has been enjoyed on the large deck, and many a party too!

Two beautiful bathrooms, again both renovated with the flair shown throughout the home, include modern conveniences married with historic nods to the past.  The beautiful tiling and stained glass harking back to the federation touches in the home.

In keeping with modern day comforts, ducted heating, solar panels, open fire places and spilt systems ensure easy living.

The private rear garden  is simple yet elegant, with a range of sheds used for various activities.  A spacious workshop/storage shed set on a concrete foundation and connected to electricity will suit many purposes. A woodshed, under house storage and a chicken coop make this backyard the traditional Aussie backyard that every family yearns for, and yet there's more.  A self-contained bungalow sits in the space, adding the option of a beautiful work from home space, semi-independent living for a family member of an income source as short-term accommodation.

A wonderful location, minutes from the Healesville main street, the iconic Yarra Valley destination, Healesville is famous for its equally iconic tourist destinations such as the renowned Four Pillars Gin distillery and is home to so many surrounding vineyards and eateries. Yet to its residents; Healesville is a great township to live and raise a family in because it also offers all the services, public transport and schools that life requires, and conveniently the choice of two primary schools are literally a stone's throw away...

Are all your prayers answered in this complete package ?  We think so!


• Block size 1191m2 approx
• Four bedrooms - 2 bathrooms under roofline
• Studio accommodation in garden 
• Stunning blend of old and new
• Ducted heating, split systems, open fires, solar panels
• Private garden

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