Set in the heart of historic Guildford, this beautifully preserved late Victorian residence, affectionately known as The Merry School House, offers timeless character, generous proportions, and a warm country charm. Originally built for the headmaster of Guildford Primary School, the home served a long legacy of educators before passing into private hands. Today, it remains a cherished part of the town's history.
Resting on an expansive 2032 sqm (approx.), the double-fronted façade is finished in traditional Victorian block-front cladding. A wide, elevated verandah overlooks a garden of David Austin roses and is framed by a bespoke arched gate and a neatly clipped Washington Hawthorn hedge, creating a storybook welcome.
Inside, the home reveals a graceful blend of heritage detail and modern comfort. High pressed metal ceilings, pine timber flooring, double-hung windows, and open fireplaces reflect the elegance of its era. The front sitting room features an open fireplace with an ornate surround and a late Victorian chandelier sourced from Gregory's Antiques in North Fitzroy, creating a refined yet relaxed space. A central dining room continues the home's period narrative with a fireplace and matching antique light fitting and flows through to a country-style kitchen. Thoughtfully updated, the kitchen features a Falcon dual oven gas cooktop, a Turner Hastings double butler sink with Nicolazzi tapware, an integrated Asko dishwasher and two integrated French-door fridge-freezers, all softened by timber cabinetry and benchtops.
The three bedrooms include two with corner fireplaces, wall heaters and leafy outlooks. The third bedroom is ideal as a guest room, nursery, or study. At the rear of the home, a traditionally styled bathroom features timber dado wall panelling, a pedestal basin, a shower over bath, and a separate toilet. A drying room with stone flooring and a double-burn solid wood heater adds warmth and function, alongside a laundry with external access, a storeroom, and a pull-down ladder that leads to a loft space for extra storage.
The outdoor spaces continue the home's storybook charm, with a garage and carport, an established orchard that includes a majestic cedar and a mature olive tree, raised veggie beds, and picturesque views across to the Guildford Lookout.
This is a home where history is not only preserved but beautifully lived in. With the general store and local pub just a short stroll away, and Castlemaine and Daylesford nearby, The Merry School House offers a rare lifestyle, rich in character, rooted in community, and ready for its next chapter.
