Catholic Church lists historic presbytery near Barwon River

The former Catholic presbytery at 3 Mercer St, Winchelsea, goes to auction on August 2 at 2pm.

A 120-year-old former presbytery ripe for a major heritage revival has hit the market in Winchelsea.

The Catholic Church is selling the circa 1906 residence alongside four newly subdivided vacant blocks it’s carved off from the still operational St John the Baptist church.

Hayeswinckle, Highton agent Michelle Winckle said the three-bedroom house at 3 Mercer St, Winchelsea, was in need of a major renovation after sitting vacant for some time.

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But she expects its solid Federation-era bones and prime location, just metres from the Barwon River, to attract a visionary buyer when the 1237sq m property is auctioned on August 2.

She said it had been priced to sell at $400,000-$440,000, a range which reflected the amount of work required to transform the home.

“We have really priced it as land value – it’s not much more than the blocks that we are selling – but you are getting these beautiful bones to work on so it’s really a project for someone that wants to turn it into something amazing,” Ms Winckle said.

“It’s really up to your own mind what you want to do, with bedrooms and living rooms, it’s completely your own floor design.

Several rooms have corner fireplaces.

The house is described as liveable but in need of work.

“It is starting from scratch to turn into your own historic home and it’s got so much potential.”

The house retains original period features such as 3.7m ceilings, high skirting boards and ornate timber mantels.

A series of flexible rooms, including one with a bay window and a basic kitchen/meals area, currently sit off a wide central hallway.

There’s also scope to extend, subject to council approval, or add an outdoor entertainment area or garaging, taking advantage of the property’s rear access.

The property has rear access and an existing carport.

The vacant block are set in a scenic, quiet area backing onto the Barwon River.

Ms Winckle said as well as being close to the river, the presbytery was just five minutes’ walk from Winchelsea’s town centre.

“It’s going to be an amazing story to watch in two or three years time, who is going to be there and what they have created,” she said.

Young families and downsizers are among those eyeing the four neighbouring titled blocks, which range from 675sq m to 1220sq m.

They are listed for private sale with price hopes ranging from $300,000 to $409,000 and have all town services connected.

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