5 McLachlan Street, Northcote VIC 3070

West Bend was first built in 1853. To put that into context, it was only 18 years after Melbourne was founded. It was also the middle of the Victorian gold rush and a year before the Eureka Rebellion; the MCG was a paddock; Flinders Street Station was a year away from completion; there was no street lighting - gas lights were 4 years away; and Burke & Wills were busy immigrating and yet to meet. Made of stone by a builder called John Grindrod, West Bend was Northcote's first home and the Grindrods - including 12 children - its first family. By 1910 the property had already been renovated twice. The first occasion, around 1880, was probably when the current brick building was added. The original stone building was demolished at an unknown date, however the property has enormous historical significance. The heritage listed house has generously proportioned rooms and loads of character. You won't find Gaggenau appliances in the kitchen, but you will discover what life was like back when Melbourne was marvelous. The potential for modernising is clear, or with 1192m2 of land you may be tempted to subdivide and build your dream home (STCA). A property with such a rich history deserves a bright future.
Agent - hockingstuart