39 Adair Street, Maldon, Vic 3463

Minilya - captivating street appeal hints at the beauty within. Set in one of Maldon’s most coveted streets, an easy walk to the Maldon’s vibrant heart, Minilya oozes character and history, urban convenience and rural charm. The property is ideal for family living, remote-work professionals, creatives or those seeking an inspirational lifestyle escape.

Occupying a generous 3036 sqm (3/4 acre) corner site, the picturesque home is framed by a traditional picket fence and relaxed easy-care garden adapted to the local environment. The house was designed by internationally renowned architect Louis Boldini and constructed in 1900 for one of Maldon’s pioneering families. The elegant façade in the late Victorian Rustic Gothic style includes bay windows, timber fretwork and finials, and a deep return verandah which offers views over the historic town and the distant hills. Beyond the façade lies a functional and aesthetically pleasing layout which delivers multiple formal and informal living and entertaining options. 

Stepping inside reveals an interior which is generous, stylish and practical courtesy of its architect and successive owners whose light touch sympathetically refurbished and introduced modern conveniences while retaining all the architectural elements of the period. High ceilings, large bay windows and French doors flood the interior with natural light, creating a wonderful sense of space and welcoming ambience. Interior finishings are similarly impressive; decorative cornices, open fire places with original overmantels, high quality joinery, multi-panelled doors and wide polished floorboards all remain in place. 

The entry foyer, with extensive lead-light glazing, is central to the main house. These major rooms offer great potential whether it be for a library, drawing or billiards room, formal dining or something more casual. The master bedroom includes dual BIRs and easy access to a central bathroom. The guest wing, with bedroom, bathroom, sitting room and separate entry to the garden, lends itself to visitor accommodation, home office or studio. 

The kitchen wing, a charming pine-lined area includes a country-style kitchen with contemporary convenience of 900mm kitchen range, ample bench, shelving and storage space, plus a butler’s pantry, and large utility room. The sunroom with French doors and stylish plantation shutters runs between the two wings. A short flight of stairs leads to a spacious studio/summer bedroom, with ensuite and French doors to the garden. 

Each interior space has its own character and beauty while also providing a unique connection to the wider landscape. Easy access to the verandah, stone-paved patio and lawn areas overlooking the garden provides for indoor/outdoor relaxing or entertaining. The established garden offers seasonal bulbs, perennials, shrubs, shade and blossom trees, lawn areas, stone feature walls, meandering pathways, numerous sitting areas, a shade house and tranquil Japanese-style garden. Irrigation when needed is delivered via a dripper system and supported by rain water tanks.

Adjacent to the home the original carriage house, with ensuite and separate HWS, offers a perfect guest/teenager’s retreat or secluded artist’s studio. There’s also a large double carport designed in keeping with the home, plus powered workshop. Further onsite parking is available and there’s potential for expansion or a pool if desired. Other features include electric-boost solar HWS, ceiling and underfloor insulation, canvas sun blinds, reverse-cycle heating/cooling throughout, ceiling fans, plus slow combustion heater in drawing room. 

Minilya’s aesthetic and historic appeal is evident. The property offers an exciting opportunity to own a truly exceptional historic residence in Maldon, the vibrant central Victorian goldfields town where creative culture and heritage character combine.