Historic Geelong home sells after eight days on the market

Buyers scramble for a historic 1887 Geelong character home amid strong interest for original, untouched CBD residence.

A striking 19th century residence in central Geelong has been snapped up after sparking big interest for the untouched home.

The five-bedroom residence at 339 Ryrie St sold for more than $1.46m after just eight days on the market.

The house was built circa 1887 is noted for its symmetrical facade with casement leadlight bay windows, bi-chrome brick, a bullnose return verandah with a cast iron frieze and fluted columns.

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The combination of the bullnose veranda with wrought iron columns and frieze, tiled floor and bi-chrome brick has caught the eye of heritage assessors.

High ceilings, baltic pine floorboards and leadlight windows are features of the grand home.

It’s long been hidden behind a wrought iron fence and an overgrown garden but Hayeswinckle, Highton agent Michelle Winckle said the Melbourne buyer wanted a home with character.

“People really that wanted something that was character, original, untouched,” Ms Winckle said.

“That old home – a lot of people loved the history, they loved the feel of the fact that it was an original home.”

Ms Winckle said pricing was key to the interest in the property, which attracted 28 groups generating five offers.

The home had been listed with $1.295m to $1.395m price hopes.

“I think it was priced competitively in the market. The owners understood the market and priced accordingly, that’s why they got good interest,” Ms Winckle said.

An ornate timber mantel is a feature of this dining room.

The bathroom is a standout feature from a different era.

The galley kitchen has plenty of storage.

It’s a tightly-held pocket, with no similar sales in the past three years.

“But a lot of the time, people are very emotional and attached, so they put a very emotional, strong price on it, but at that age, they need work done to them as well.”

Just four families have owned the home in almost 140 years, speaking volumes of the central Geelong location, which puts the occupants within walking distance of Eastern Gardens, the waterfront, the CBD and the Garden St shopping and cafe strip.

The 921sq m property has evolved over the years there’s plenty of character charm to work with.

A large veranda looks over the deep backyard.

The grand main bedroom has another large bay window.

A grand entrance hallway is a nod to the home’s heritage with high ceilings, original hardwood floors and stained glass windows.

This traditional feel continues in the formal lounge and dining rooms, which retain elegant marble fireplaces.

Across the hall, the main bedroom suite has a bay window, as well as a large dressing room and a renovated ensuite where a beautiful picture window frames garden views, best enjoyed from the freestanding bath.

Underneath the house lies a huge storeroom, a billiard room, cellar and workshop.

Originally published as Historic Geelong home sells after eight days on the market