In need of a full makeover both inside and out, this Goldfields Cottage is ready for its new owner(s) to bring it back to life. This area of Ironbark was one of the Bendigo’s first permanent European settlements, arising in the 1860s beside three of the goldfields’ richest lines of reef. As such, Lilac Street and surrounds accommodated all walks of life; upper-class mine owners to their lower-class workers, and the business owners in between. As such, the neighbourhood has a beautiful sense of place, grounded in old gold days. Of course, many of the period homes here have since been renovated and extended, perhaps giving inspiration for this cottage’s near future. There is room beside the home to extend, subject to council approval. As it stands, the floorplan has three bedrooms, a central loungeroom, spacious kitchen/meals, big bathroom, plus a laundry and storage space in the rear lean-to. Various period features thankfully remain, such as timber floors, dado boards and ceiling boards. The lounge retains its cove ceiling, the kitchen still has a brick hearth. Contemporary white Laminex cabinets have been recently fitted, plus a stainless steel under bench oven and gas cooktop. The vinyl plank floor is another update. The address is just 600m from St John of Gold Hospital, and approximately 1.2km to the arts precinct of central Bendigo, meaning 150 years post-settlement, it’s still in a sweet spot of culture and convenience.
