82 Thistle Street, Bendigo VIC 3550

THIS is a Victorian home like no other. It's as if it's been locked away from the world for a long time. Not because it's dusty and musty. On the
contrary. It couldn't be more alive to the voices of family and small feet running through its rooms. It's because all its beautiful period detail is so perfectly preserved.

Of course there are the high pine ceilings, the deep skirting boards and architraves. But there are also the beautiful panel doors, glorious stained glass windows and panels, a magnificent arched hallway and above all the grand dimensions of the rooms themselves, given even more emphasis by the loftiness of the ceilings. Baltic pine floorboards take you to each of the large bedrooms from the hallway. One has built-in wardrobes that complement the doors. Three have working fireplaces with decorative timber surrounds. All have ceiling fans and heating and cooling are ducted throughout. A grand formal lounge room follows with a door opening to the side verandah.

The farmhouse-style kitchen has an Omega 900mm electric stove and gas cooktop. In the four-piece bathroom, a claw foot bath has been resurfaced. The adjacent laundry has lots of room, built-in shelves and is plumbed in readiness for a second shower.At the rear of the home is a second living area, a sprawling informal space that invites you to chill and relax. Through the back door a decked area leads down to the garden, a tranquil space where brick paths meander among mature shade trees. One path leads to a large bungalow ideal for the artist, hobbyist or as a teen retreat.There's a paved barbecue area, a pergola and garden shed.

A single roller door carport has through access to the backyard where there's room for an extra vehicle. All this and only minutes from schools and the bustling CBD.