160 Duke Street, Castlemaine VIC 3450

Hidden behind its front fence is a home steeped in the rich history of the gold rush. On a generous allotment of 806sqm, this three-bedroom family home was once The Old Wesley Hill Grocery shop dating back to the late 1860s.

A seamless transition from the old to the new, the floorplan features a contemporary country-style kitchen open to the dining and north-facing living room with sliding doors to an entertaining area with a kitchen. The kitchen includes an induction cooktop, a pyrotechnic oven and a dishwasher. A hall leads to three generous bedrooms with built-in robes, a family bathroom with a temperature control thermostat, a shower and a toilet. Completing the floorplan is a study/ entry foyer, a laundry with external access and a separate toilet.

Improvements include gas heating, ceiling fans, a split system, a reverse osmosis water filter and a separate hot water system for the house and outside the kitchen. Period details are a cove ceiling in the kitchen and dining, shiplap detailing, an original fireplace and floorboards.

Externally, a paved spacious entertaining area provides a second kitchen with an additional toilet. Stairs lead to a terraced lawn area and a productive garden. The irrigated garden provides raised veggie beds and an orchard of olive, apple, feijoa, quince and ornamental trees. A surprise greets you at the back of the property with a large shed and workshop (7.7m x 8m approx) accessed from Prendergast Street, with a concrete floor, power and room for a caravan and boat. Attached is a separate studio with a loft and charming dutch door, providing additional space for guests.

Located across the road from the vibrant Wesley Hill Market, the Forest Creek Tourist Mine is at your back door and the Goldfields National Park for walking and bike trails at your doorstep. With a short drive into Castlemaine for schools and retail, the old general store is hidden gold.