4 Templeton Street, Guildford, Vic 3451

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.