The fascinating history behind these Australian heritage homes
From the outside, these Australian properties might look like average houses but the history behind them is fascinating.
1. Coburg, Victoria
This property was once the prison where Ned Kelly was incarcerated. The former prison cells are an exciting lifestyle opportunity that is also conveniently close to the city.
2. Redbank, Queensland
This house appears to be just a normal colonial home but it was once the Redbank police station. The property still has the original men’s cell lock-up. Former Governor-General Bill Hayden also lived at this house in the late 1950s when he was stationed in Redbank.
3. Mount Torrens, South Australia
This 100-year-old solid stone property is now a spacious family home. For the majority of its lifetime, however, it was the local general store. The lounge room was once the dining room of a popular restaurant. The house has been restored and a new bike track has been added near the property.
4. Cooks Hill, New South Wales
This property in the centre of Newcastle was the family home of Arnott’s founder, William Arnott. This house was built for William and his family in the 1870s. Although it has been modernised, it still has a stunning Victorian façade.
5. Kew, Victoria
This magnificent estate has a solar-heated pool, gym, library and two tennis courts available to those living it its townhouses and apartments. However, from 1871-1988 the Willsmere Estate was a psychiatric hospital. It was one of the largest psychiatric hospitals built in Australia and treated patients who were classified as insane.