93 Forest Street
Bendigo, VIC 3550

Overview

93 Forest Street, Bendigo VIC 3550

This exceptional property, known as "Biralee" on Forest Street, represents a rare opportunity to own one of Bendigo's most prestigious residences. With a rich history spanning over 160 years and only three owners, including generations of the Mackay family, this magnificent home has not been offered for sale in three decades.

Dating back to the 1860s, Biralee is a stunning example of Victorian gold-rush era architecture and grandeur. The main residence boasts five bedrooms and is situated on estate-style grounds comprising two titles, totaling approximately 2,050 square metres. Access is via a charming tree-lined laneway leading to a three-car semi-enclosed carport equipped with power, concrete flooring, and twin roller doors.

The expansive grounds are beautifully landscaped with established English gardens, featuring a majestic oak tree estimated to be 150 years old, meandering pathways, a tranquil Zen garden, a pond, an above-ground swimming pool, rainwater tanks, and secure fencing. A pizza oven adds to the outdoor amenities, perfect for entertaining.

Significant upgrades have been made to the roofing, electrical wiring, and plumbing systems, ensuring modern functionality while preserving the home's historic character.

A unique feature of this property is the fully self-contained second residence, ideal for accommodating aged parents, extended family, or generating rental income through long-term tenants or short-term business accommodation.

The main residence showcases magnificent 19th-century architectural details, including double brick walls, Baltic pine flooring, lead lighting, and soaring pressed-metal ceilings. The modern chef-quality open-plan kitchen and family dining area are equipped with restaurant-style utensil racks, an Asko dishwasher, an ILVE 900mm-wide dual-fuel cooker, a full-sized pantry room, and air conditioning for comfort. Additionally, there is a charming galley-style second pantry with original mesh-fronted cabinetry and floor-to-ceiling cupboards.

The grand formal lounge and dining room feature pressed-metal ceilings, a gas-log fire, and the original marble fireplace, complemented by fully-lined silk drapes framing an eight-panel conservatory-style bay window. The hallway, illuminated by a modern skylight and traditional arch, leads to a spacious sitting room with a box-bay window, custom-made shutters, and premium Axminster carpet.

The main bedroom retreat offers an open fire, built-in robes, and a modern ensuite with a freestanding oval bath, frameless shower, and floating vanity. An expansive executive office includes built-in storage, data points, and NBN connectivity. The super-sized laundry provides a hobby bench, abundant storage, a second bathroom, and an interconnecting door to the second residence. An underground cellar maintains an optimal temperature of around 13°C, ideal for wine storage.

The second residence is designed for superior comfort and mobility accessibility, providing independent living with a separate driveway and entrance, private courtyard, easy access ramp, hardwood timber flooring, central heating, and reverse-cycle air-conditioning. It includes generous open-plan living and dining areas, a full-sized kitchen with ample storage, a dishwasher, and a user-friendly wall oven. The light-filled carpeted bedroom overlooks the English garden through a bay window. The residence also features an easy access bathroom, separate laundry, and a study nook, completing this fully self-contained home unit or granny flat that complements the main residence.

Located in a tranquil and private inner-city setting, Biralee offers convenient access to the arts precinct, cafes, restaurants, Queen Elizabeth Oval, Rosalind Park, and the city centre. It is minutes from Girton Grammar School, Bendigo Senior Secondary College, Catherine McAuley College, Bendigo Hospital, and St John of God Hospital, with close proximity to childcare, public transport, theatres, galleries, and more.

This distinguished property on tree-lined Forest Street has been admired by many but called home by few. It presents a unique opportunity to become the next custodian of this historic and elegant residence.

Location