over 2 years ago
‘Villa Belgravia
Bec Allen, one of McKean McGregor's highly regarded Licenced Real Estate Agents, is thrilled to offer this truly unique and special home for sale after an extensive refurbishment by its current owners.
The story of the Villa Belgravia property began in the richest period of Bendigo’s history, the Goldrush, and is entwined with some of the most influential people of that time.
The first land sales were held late in 1853 and the land upon which Villa Belgravia sits was sold to Michael Emmett, Bendigo's first Mayor. It then passed to Henry Hawkins and in 1869 Hawkins engaged the leading architect, WC Vahland, to build the residence which was later sold to John Crowley.
John Crowley was a successful hotel keeper and businessman, who obtained one of the first liquor licences in Bendigo and purchased a parcel of land in Pall Mall where he built and operated the ‘Shamrock Hotel’. Crowley was also a very good friend of the affluent and later famous goldfields priest Dr Henry Backhaus, who after falling ill chose to pass away at Villa Belgravia.
The building has had three major building events in its life:
1869 - first built, approx half its current size but substantial at the time
1889 - the goldfields architect and builder, William Vahland was engaged to enlarge and embellish the house in the Italianate style as is today.
2011- present - The exterior and partial interior of the building have been lovingly recovered and returned to their original presentation by the current owners. The fabric of the original building has been restored through the removal of false walls and features, while the interior of the bottom floor, “The Suites", was restored and had kitchenettes and bathrooms refreshed to a luxury standard reflecting a European feel.
The property located at 49 Rowan Street Bendigo, was known as Marlborough Lodge and later, Marlborough House, and operated as an accommodation venue for many years.
After a significant and beautifully executed renovation, Villa Belgravia now offers luxury heritage living in the very heart of the city. The property has a substantial upper level with four bedrooms, four bathrooms, three living areas, a separate study, a commercial-grade kitchen, cellar/wine room and also boasts multiple exterior spaces including a wide wraparound veranda, with views over the Sacred Heart Cathedral.
Downstairs features two luxury self-contained villa apartments, which are currently operating as short-term accommodation.
This beautiful property could easily serve as an exceptional family home that offers multi-generational living; an accommodation business; or a combination of business and living across the two levels.