Penna House is your slice of rural tranquillity, steeped in a rich history and set within a picturesque landscape with the essence of the Mediterranean. This unique stone and brick home on 3949 sqm (approx) was built in the 1860s by John Penna. An unexpected find, Penna House, transports you to the countryside of Italy whilst being in the idyllic landscape of regional Victoria. A 6-minute drive into Castlemaine for retail, restaurants and amenities, this period property offers a self-contained bungalow that makes an ideal Air BnB or short-stay accommodation.
The elevated verandah offers a view of the surrounding landscape, a perfect spot to sit and watch the sunrise in the morning. Direct entry from the verandah leads into the north and east-facing living room, highlighted by its stone walls, impressive timber-clad high cove ceiling, fireplace and a second set of doors onto the verandah. Adjacent to this space is the main bedroom with French doors and a timber ceiling. Stairs from the living lead to a mezzanine bedroom with a split system and vaulted timber-clad ceiling.
To the back of the cottage is the dining with north-facing French doors leading to a terraced entertaining area with bespoke metalwork, stone walling and an outlook onto the private garden and sunsets. The dining space features solid stone walls, a timber-clad raked ceiling, hardwood timber floors, a wood heater, a quiet sitting space with external access and a large window overlooking the park-like garden. The adjoining kitchen provides a freestanding gas cooktop, a stainless steel benchtop, and a raked ceiling. A bathroom with a shower, a toilet, a vanity and an additional separate toilet complete the floorplan on this level. Stairs from the living lead down to what was once the original kitchen, now a third bedroom/ study with the original cellar in working condition. A door leads outside to the 2m x 7.3m laundry with an adjoining workshop/ studio with power. All town services are connected.
The Mediterranean-style garden features an array of mature trees, a Japanese Maple, Chinese Elms, Pencil Pines, Cypress, a grapevine-covered pergola, clipped boxes and bay trees and raised veggie garden beds. The park-like grounds provide quiet sitting areas, productive fruit trees, native planting, the songs of the birdlife, water tanks, garden sheds and stonewalling. A carport adjoins a private bungalow that includes a kitchen, a bathroom with a shower, a toilet, a vanity, a bedroom/ studio space, and a sitting area, making the perfect space for visiting guests, a home office or self-contained accommodation.
Penna House is the quintessential charming cottage that has stood the test of time, and if the walls could talk, what stories they could tell! Offering an ideal country escape, Penna House provides the charm of rural Italy in regional Victoria. Add your chapter to this remarkable property.
