59 Rowan Street, Bendigo VIC 3550

Here's an address that's close to heaven. And purposefully so. Built on the highest point of Rowan Street, number 59 started life as Bendigo's Primitive Methodist Church.

The foundation stone was placed in May, 1867, at a ceremony and customary burying of a time capsule, containing coins, newspapers and documents to record the date. It remains hidden beneath this now-remarkable private home. However other treasures have revealed themselves over the years, such as a collection of bibles from bygone days.

The church prevailed until a larger site was established in Forest Street. This site then became a Sunday School, until the 1920s, when it received a blessed new lease on life.

The foresight of the property's first private owners was remarkable. They took a lofty red brick church and converted it into a grand and gracious home to last the ages, while boasting the best of that graceful architectural period.

Past the remnant gum, stately date palm and landscaped garden, step up to an elevated porch overlooking one of Bendigo's most beautiful streets.

The front door opens to a grand entrance hall of original polished floorboards, high ceilings and leadlight glass.

Double doors lead to the front loungeroom, with its deep-set windows, built-in library shelves, and open fireplace with original mirrored mantel. A cellar lies beneath.

Take the long hallway past three spacious bedrooms, each with feature lighting, built-in storage, high windows and whimsical chim chimney views across this historic neighbourhood.

There is a quiet study along with a sitting room and open brick fireplace. Two lovely bathrooms sit side-by-side.

Step from historic to contemporary living, into a double-height open-plan living space. Triangular windows offer breathtaking views of the garden, and a rare flowering Black Locust tree.

This open-plan living space includes a family and dining room, with window seat, and a classically-styled kitchen with corner pantry, upright stove and dishwasher.

Find the fourth bedroom/multipurpose room high above in the mezzanine. It too enjoys an exclusive view, plus split system heating and cooling and built-in storage.

Several split systems complement ducted heating and air conditioning throughout.

Outside, a wrap-around deck offers several alfresco options. There is a kitchen garden, an English walnut tree, established plantings and slate paving. But the very best lies just beyond; the Sacred Heart Cathedral spire, placing you in the heart of this prized heritage location.