Lifestyle buyers are flocking to Victoria's spa country with a number of trophy homes changing hands at very strong prices in the past few months.
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In the heart of Daylesford, 1860s mansion Mount Stuart House sold to a local buyer for $2 million.
The five-bedroom restored Victorian property on Duke Street was sold by Melbourne owner David Harris who paid just $398,000 for it in 1999.
Selling agent Kim McQueen of Colliers International, who negotiated the sale, said it cemented the boutique spa town as a hot spot for investors looking to take advantage of one of Victoria's most popular tourist destinations.
SEE INSIDE THE PROPERTY HERE
Steeped in rich period history, Mount Stuart House is set on a 1507-square-metre lush garden site in Daylesford's church precinct.
It was originally built as a grand family mansion and later occupied as a hospital for repatriated soldiers, a bed-and-breakfast enterprise and, for the past seven years, a family residence.
Ms McQueen said the property was suitable as a refreshed business venture or a private getaway.
"The buyers have great plans to return Mount Stuart House to its former glory," she said.
The sale of Mount Stuart house follows a number of trophy homes changing hands around Daylesford, which is about an hour-and-a-half's drive from Melbourne.
Other recent sales include a five-bedroom residence on Italian Hill (after being on the market for over a year), Boat Shed Villas on Lake Daylesford and Luana at 7 Duke Street, taking total sales negotiated by Colliers International to $6.5 million in recent months.
"The record prices achieved for Mount Stuart House and Italian Hill indicate the current heightened interest in Victoria's spa country as a genuine lifestyle location," Ms McQueen said.
