Historic 1891 restored police barracks hits market in Kilmore

The five-bedroom property, at 6-8 Powlett Street, has 13 fireplaces, and is being marketed by Ray White Craigieburn agent Shayla Spiteri.

The property has been listed for sale with a $1,850,000 price tag.

Built in 1891 by Irish prisoners, the triple-brick building served as both a police station and residence for the mounted police who transported gold from Bendigo to Melbourne during Victoria's gold rush era.

After more than a century of service and 15 years of dereliction, the building has been restored to its former glory by its current owners Anne and Mark Bonnici.

“This property cannot be replicated,” Mrs Bonnici said.

“It stands as one of Kilmore's most significant landmarks, blending 130 years of history with modern comfort across an expansive 1,023sqm allotment.”

The couple have lived at the property for five years and are selling after Mrs Bonnici was recently diagnosed with Polymyalgia rheumatica, a condition that causes aches, pain and stiffness in her muscles, making it hard for her to move around.

Mrs Bonnici said she was sad to sell the house, after bringing it to life.

She said her husband and son, both builders, worked tirelessly on the property’s rejuvenation.

The building's journey from government accommodation to derelict eyesore and finally to a restored masterpiece is a testament to heritage preservation.

After serving as Kilmore's police station, the property was converted to professional offices, then briefly operated as the music wing of Kilmore International School before being abandoned for 15 years.

The Bonnicis, who purchased the property five years ago, have completed a comprehensive restoration.

“When we bought it it was uninhabitable, there were holes in the roof, ceiling and floor but my husband always believed it had good bones,” Mrs Bonnici said.

“We managed to fix it up - it was like a history lesson!”

All the fireplaces have been restored, hardwood flooring revived, ornate archways rebuilt, and the exterior fully repointed, with chimneys and gutters renewed.

There are four bedrooms upstairs, all with fireplaces and three with built-in robes.

Original stained glass windows add character, and a cellar beneath the home provides additional storage, easily adapted as a workshop or gym space.

Mrs Bonnici said the property's substantial roof cavity offers potential for additional level conversion.

“The building has become something of a local attraction, with travel bloggers regularly stopping to photograph the property and wedding parties requesting access to the grand staircases,” Mrs Bonnici said.