One of Williamstown’s oldest and most recognisable mansions has hit the market for the first time in three decades.
The landmark Osborne House was built for sea captain James Best and his large family in 1859 and, in the 1900s, housed a highly regarded private school for young women run by Miss Cathcart.
Raine & Horne Williamstown director Rosemary Jamonts said the five-bedroom residence, on a leafy 1012sq m block at 54 Osborne St, had been home to its current owners since 1988.
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The owners have now listed it for a September 14 auction with a $3.5 million reserve.
Mr Jamonts said the vendors were well known locally for holding “the most magnificent” Christmas carols singalong each year, around a grand piano in the open-plan living area they added on to the rear of the house.
“Those parties are going to be missed by a lot of locals,” she said.
“It’s always a huge crowd — more than 100 people around the grand piano, in full voice.
“Everybody in the suburb knows the house.”
Ms Jamonts said the extension matched the style of the original bluestone house, which boasted period flourishes including marble fireplaces, ornate cornices, high ceilings, Baltic pine floors, a wraparound veranda and a facade reminiscent of a southern American mansion.
“They’ve been really diligent in keeping everything authentic,” she said.
Other highlights include a French provincial-inspired kitchen, a basement wine cellar, generous carparking, and a main bedroom with a large ensuite and balcony.
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Originally published as Williamstown Osborne House: mansion for sale for first time in decades
