Set high on a leafy laneway with sweeping views across the valley, township, and Mt Alexander, Palm Grove is a rare offering- an enchanting 1850s brick cottage surrounded by beautifully planted gardens and thoughtfully reimagined for modern, sustainable living. With a north facing deck and pergola, manicured grounds, and a single garage complete with Zappi car charger, this home provides heritage appeal without compromise.
Inside, the home reveals a main living zone where its original character is proudly on display. Period details have been thoughtfully retained and celebrated, from delicate snippets of the original wallpaper to the former kitchen fireplace, now preserved behind glass as a striking feature. The large dining room offers an inviting setting for family meals and entertaining, flowing through to the updated country style kitchen. Here, timber benchtops and modern cabinetry combine with electric cooking to deliver both charm and functionality. In this same zone, the cosy sitting room provides a warm place to relax, anchored by the home's history and thoughtful design. Three bedrooms offer comfortable retreats, supported by a newly completed bathroom, separate wc, and a well designed laundry.
Palm Grove carries a rich history. Built in the late 1850s, its separate kitchen was joined to the original four roomed cottage in the 1880s. The house was re-roofed in the early 20th century, evolving over generations while retaining its charm. In 2013, a major renovation repurposed original materials and elevated the home to a new standard, culminating in a Sustainability Award for a heritage building from the Mount Alexander Shire Council and the National Trust in 2014.
Today, sustainability sits at the core of this home. Extensive insulation to walls, underfloor and roof, double glazing throughout, air sealing, and an advanced air change system ensure energy efficiency and year round comfort. A 10kW solar array, solar hot water with gas boost, heat pump hydronic heating, and a slow combustion wood heater deliver modern convenience with a light footprint.
Outdoors, layered plantings, stone paths, and private sitting pockets surround the cottage, offering both privacy and beauty. Whether enjoying the valley outlook from the north facing deck or simply soaking in the peaceful atmosphere, Palm Grove is a property of rare quality- where Castlemaine's early history meets sustainable design.
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