Historic Camperdown bank with original safe hits the market after restoration – realestate.com.au

Camperdown’s historic former savings bank is once again luring townspeople in to reclaim its faded beauty after extensive restoration.

Decades after the store closed, the landmark 1905 bluestone and brick building has grown into a charming residence with flexible commercial space on the city’s picturesque Elm Avenue.

The original safe and old banking room are still part of the four-bedroom home for sale at 194 Manifold St, Camperdown.

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The current residents have converted the room into a large living space and occasional party venue, but said its real value lay in the mixed-use commercial use of the 1,129 sqm property.

They originally toyed with opening a takeaway on the premises, but have decided to market it to new owners to further unlock its potential.

Ray White, agent for Camperdown listing Davina Pickles, expects it to fetch $1.2 million to $1.3 million.

Geelong architects Tombs and Durran designed the bank in the Federation Romanesque Free Style, with a later extension in 1974.

This addition is part of the business space, which lends itself to an office, studio, doctor’s practice or cafe.

There are arched windows in the old bank vault, which is now a living and dining room.

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The main bedroom, originally the drawing room, has a fireplace and window seating.

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The renovated kitchen is equipped with modern appliances.

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Residents said the 120-year-old building was “a defunct sad state of affairs from the 80s” when they moved in three years ago.

One of their first jobs was to remove the false ceilings in the banking room and restore the badly damaged original wooden ceiling.

“We just use it as a dining and living space, even though it’s not near the main kitchen. We’ve had some great nights there, big dinners and the fire going – it’s great,” she said.

“We’ve had a few local events there and people have asked to have birthday parties there. We’re beyond thrilled because it’s such a beautiful building.”

The first floor offers views of Camperdown Clock Tower.

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The house has two renovated bathrooms and two powder rooms.

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The enormous backyard is a blank canvas.

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The property, with its own entrance via a side driveway, combines modern conveniences with period features such as arched windows, panelling, wooden floorboards, fireplaces and a beautiful original staircase.

Upstairs, the original drawing room or master bedroom suite has views of Camperdown’s historic clock tower, while the updated bathroom features a classic roll-top bath.

“You could add a pool and a garden and it would be a beautiful home in itself,” the resident said.

“Or put in a yoga studio, a doctor’s studio – the options are endless and it would always feel beautiful no matter what you put into it.”