The Vicarage – French inspired estate built in 1862, in the heart of Clunes. Steeped in Australian Goldrush history and designed by renowned colonial architect Leonard Terry, The Vicarage is one of Victoria's oldest residences. Today it presents as an icon of Clunes, merging its considerable historical significance with an exquisite level of luxury for modern day living. Set on 3539sqm in the heart of Clunes, the formal grounds are a beautiful introduction to the estate. Walk the central path lined with pencil pines, admiring lush lawn spaces and leafy European trees, one fixed with a swinging chair. From the moment you pass through the gate, the romance of this property will take your breath away. The solid brick walls sit on bluestone foundations, and the residence is crowned with a fully restored slate roof. The Vicarage was inspired by French country villas of the period. Original features begin with wide verandas, a grand arched entrance with stained-glass door and windows. As you enter the foyer, the arch motif is repeated with a soaring central archway. The front two rooms boast huge bay windows. To the right is a large formal lounge with fireplace and French doors opening onto the north terrace. The room is illuminated by a grand vintage chandelier. To the left of the entrance is the main bedroom, also with french doors and access to the southern verandah. In all The Vicarage is home to six fireplaces, three with enclosed wood burners. The southern wing includes another two bedrooms, all with fireplaces and French doors, leading to the landscaped gardens. The north wing begins with a second lounge with fireplace and French doors opening onto the enclosed north terrace courtyard. The kitchen/dining has a modern twist, with European appliances including a 900mm Belling oven. The entire space is light filled with two sets of French doors and a single door leading out to the kitchen garden. generous bench and cupboard space, including a vintage shop counter from nearby Daylesford. The main bathroom is centrally located, fully tiled and features exposed copper fittings and fixtures, a stepless shower and open fireplace. The second bathroom is complete with shower, toilet, basin and laundry. Nestled between the north and sound wings is a central enclosed courtyard, ideal for your morning coffee. Beyond the house stands a magnificent 160 year old Elm tree which provides a crowning canopy of shade in the summer months. Discover both intimate and generous entertaining areas. The northern alfresco space has been carefully curated for larger scale entertaining, enclosed on three sides by antique Indian doors.. The rear yard is a budding chef's paradise, featuring a massive fire pit converted from an Indian dahl cooking pot. Be inspired to cook seasonal dishes, harvesting from the raised veggie beds and established orchard. Off the side veranda, with access from two of the bedrooms, is a wood fired, stainless steel hot tub imported from New Zealand (available for purchase). The property sits on two titles, two road frontages (front and rear) and has driveway access from a lane on the side. The Vicarage is complete with a timber clad double garage with barn doors, a garden shed and a deep bore that supplies water throughout the landscaped gardens. To the rear of the property is a tiny house with an enclosed garden that could be used as a fourth bedroom, artists studio or office. The Vicarage's real estate credentials are outstanding, located in the historic precinct amongst cherished heritage properties and moments from the train station and the town centre. Daylesford and Hepburn Springs are also easily accessible. Rarely do homes of this calibre become available, making this an exceptional opportunity to acquire one of Clunes' finest estates.