As you step into the glass portico at the entrance of the home you soon realise the majestic splendor of this timeless elegant Victorian masterpiece. Built in 1863 15 Maitland Street, Launceston is a highly visible home with its tall 45 degree chimneys and pale apricot facade setting it apart from the other properties in the street.

Be astounded by the beautifully restored kitchen that surpasses even our wildest imagination. Exposed brick walls, high ceilings, timber floors and an old Peter’s stove in the hearth are some of the oldest delights of this room. Like most old homes, there is a story behind the building and in this case it is to do with the old stove. In 1983 William Peter bought the Wellington Street Foundry, which was established in 1833. In 1845 the foundry made its first Peter’s stove, which became a company trademark product. It was William Peter who built the brick house on its Bluestone foundations. Other features of the kitchen are the gas cook top, wooden casement window, old mantelpiece and marble bench tops. Cleverly disguised as wooden drawers under one of the marble bench tops is a Fisher and Paykel double drawer dishwasher. There is plenty of storage space and automatic lights in the double-door timber pantry and other cupboards.

Under the staircase, at the centre of the house, is more storage and a trapdoor reveals stairs to a wine cellar. The polished boards and a beautiful archway make the lounge and dining room a delightful entertaining space. In the lounge room an ornate mantelpiece and grate surround a hydronic heater, which keeps the home warm in winter and heats water at the same time. A delightful double-glazed bay window in the dining area overlooks the garden and there is another fireplace in this room.

The hallway and stairs are carpeted and the first flight will take you to a peaceful office space. Steps lead from here into a bedroom of lovely proportions with a built-in cupboard, white walls, carpet and two stunning arched windows.

The second flight of stairs leads to a landing where the bathroom, master bedroom and third bedroom are found. The third bedroom has beautifully polished Baltic Pine floorboards, a panelled door and built-in wardrobe. The master bedroom has a curved door and frame, double hung windows, neutral walls and another gorgeous fireplace.

The large bathroom is also host to the laundry, which is discreetly tucked away behind folding louvred doors. Baltic pine floorboards, high ceilings, toilet and a walk-in shower feature in this tastefully decorated bathroom.

Above the landing is a trapdoor that can be pulled open with a hook to reveal a fold away ladder that leads to an attic – great for extra storage, should it be needed.

Outside it only gets better and better! The delightful garden is full of paved paths, archways and statues. An old walnut tree provides ample shade and a paved area with a gazebo has a large barbecue. Established rose gardens, ivy borders, lambs’ ears, fuchsias, geraniums, hydrangeas and pots full of colour draw your eye and there is a second gazebo under the shade of a conifer. Citrus trees feature against the warmth of a wall: grapefruit, lemon, lime and orange. Fruits such as loquat, pear, olive, passionfruit, strawberries and a vegie patch can all be found in this bountiful garden. Next to the house is a garage and a workshop that was originally the old stables.

15 Maitland Street is for sale by tender, closing Friday 20th May, 2011 at 4pm. Such an opportunity rarely presents itself.

For further information and to arrange an inspection, contact Sharon or Gary.

Sharon 0419 887 142 or sharonmccall@robertsre.com.au
Gary 0417 057 817 or garywhitney@robertsre.com.au