210 McCurdy Rd, Fyansford is on the market for $2.75m to $2.995m.
The former Geelong Orphan Asylum is back on the market, offering buyers a fresh chance to convert the landmark building into a multimillion-dollar private home.
The 1855 mansion – Victoria’s oldest standing orphanage – has been likened to Harry Potter’s Hogwarts school for its imposing Gothic appearance.
It last sold seven years ago as part of a larger property in McCurdy Rd, Fyansford, which incorporated a neighbouring 19th Century common school.
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Whitford, Newtown listing agent Peter Fort said the vendor had since subdivided the two significant heritage buildings as part of a five-year project.
He’s listed the former orphanage, which occupies a 3600sq m site, for $2.75m to $2.995m.
Mr Fort said the property now sat among luxury contemporary homes within the Pinnacle Estate, which is part of the redevelopment of the old Geelong Cement site.
“The gentleman who bought the property has gone through the subdivision process which was not easy, it was quite complex given the type of property it is,” Mr Fort said.
“He has renovated the school house as a residence and basically what we have got is the original building as a shell, it’s just on an acre of land.
The 1865 former common school on the right has been turned into a private home, with its basalt exterior restored.
The former orphanage is need of a major renovation.
“I think now that whole area is developed as well – there as been some really nice quality homes built around it – it’s a totally different prospect and someone is going to make it an amazing property.”
Some external works have been carried out at 210 McCurdy Rd as part of the subdivision, but the 27-room orphanage designed by architect Andrew McWilliams remains a blank canvas.
Mr Fort there was about 800sq m of floor space to play with, as well as scope at the rear for a garaging or a pool with a northwest aspect.
He said buyers could look to the restored facade of the former common school next door to see how well the orphanage would scrub up.
The property is now surrounded by premium homes in the Pinnacle Estate development.
“Since it went live on the socials we have had some really strong inquiry so we are expecting interest to come from far afield for a property like this one,” he said.
“It’s not for the faint-hearted but I think the reality is the land value, which on that hill is around $1000 a square metre, if the building wasn’t there you are probably looking at $3.5m for the block then you have got a build on top of that.
“So to do the property justice we are expecting they are going to spend a couple of million.”
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