10-12 Seaby St, Stawell

A substantial and richly decorated property, circa 1890, that is both a stunning showpiece and a comfortable family home. Labelled Late Victorian Gold rush Period and classified by the National Trust in 1982 many of the extremely rare and treasured features of this villa are architecturally significant. We highly recommend a personal inspection to reveal in glorious detail what is on offer here. The floorplan includes a formal lounge room, the grand dining room, the splendid central hallways, relaxed family living room, a well-appointed study, three bedrooms with splendid ensuite to the main, library or forth bedroom, kitchen and casual dining area, two cellars and shady verandahs. The grounds encompass beautiful gardens and the remodelled stables incorporate a double carport, two single garages, covered storage area, a workshop and an upstairs gym or hobby room. Over the past fourteen years a comprehensive restoration program of the interior and exterior of the building by skilled artisans and upgrade of services by master tradesman including heating, cooling, electrical wiring and plumbing has been undertaken. Call to arrange an inspection, the style and detail here will never be seen again. The property has a remarkable association with celebrated American author Mark Twain, who visited Stawell in 1895. Historical research links Twain's visit with wealthy Stawell mine owner Mary Hobbs, associated with this Seaby Street residence, and Twain subsequently wrote of the extraordinarily prosperous female mine owner in his 1897 travel book, Following the Equator.