Tucked away in a quiet, spread-out pocket of Castlemaine, 3 Monaghan Street is a lovingly renovated, north-facing mid-century home with a warm, welcoming feel and the kind of flexibility that is rarely found. You get the privacy and tranquillity of feeling much further out, yet the Castlemaine town centre is an easy walk away, and the train station is only a 2.3km walk. Close to Campbells creek walking track, winter flat primary school and with a lovely park just one house away.
Versatility is what sets this home apart. With two, insulated and air-conditioned studios as well as a third living space that can double as an extra bedroom, the home can easily function as a four bedroom family home. One or both studios could suit someone, or a couple, working from home. Either could also become an income stream for the owners (STCA), whether they run their own business from it or rent the space to someone who needs a place to run theirs. There's also a practical, fully insulated and lined home office off the shed, with its own split system reverse cycle air conditioner, which adds another option for working from home. However you choose to use it, the layout adapts to the way you live.
Inside, the renovations have been smart and thoughtful, and the care that has gone into them shows. Beautiful wooden floorboards run through the home, and the new kitchen is finished with custom made hardwood timber benchtops and thoughtfully designed custom-built shelving made from recycled timber that adds warmth and character. The addition of a large Smeg cooker and range hood, new Bosch dishwasher, a large pantry and spacious bench tops make it both beautiful and functional with ample storage and space to create. The bathroom is also new and equally meticulously designed and features custom built joinery and unique artisan made basin and robe hooks. A second stand-alone toilet and a laundry add everyday convenience for families and guests. The main living space is a cosy heart for the home, with a wood heater and a split system reverse cycle air conditioner, while ducted gas heating and new ceiling fans throughout keep every room comfortable year-round. There is also a second living space and a large undercover outdoor living area making relaxing and entertaining easy.
The north facing aspect of this lovely home is one of its greatest features, allowing winter light and sun to stream in and offering a view to the lush garden outside. Underfloor and wall insulation help hold the warmth in and keep running costs down. The home sits on concrete stumps, and a recently added 6.5kW solar system with a 5kW inverter adds to the energy savings.
Outdoors the setting is just as appealing. The garden has been lovingly designed and landscaped by artist and horticulturist Tania Verdez who was featured on Gardening Australia, using permaculture design principles and it captures what people love most about Castlemaine. Dry climate perennial plantings for year-round beauty and low water usage, stunning mature espaliered fruits tress, citrus, berries, herbs, natives, a pond and Corten steel raised vegetable gardens. A fully fenced chicken area and automated chicken coop for your very own fresh eggs. Recycled crushed brick surrounds the house, softening the ground and adding to its warm, earthy character and low maintenance design.
With this much flexibility, 3 Monaghan Street will appeal to a wide range of buyers. Larger families who need extra bedrooms, professionals, artists and couples working from home, small business owners, and buyers who like the idea of a property that can help pay for itself will all find something to love.
