![216 Goldsborough Rd, Goldsborough – for Herald Sun properties](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 1280 720"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The old school at 216 Goldsborough Rd, Goldsborough, dates back to the 1860s. A former schoolmaster’s house, which was damaged by fire, is also on the property.
A historic former schoolhouse and fire-damaged schoolmaster’s cottage in Victoria’s Goldfields region has come to the market with a bargain price of $99,000 to $105,000.
The 1.21 hectare property is located in Goldsborough, a small area near the town of Dunolly, about two hours drive northwest of Melbourne, a famous gold mining and prospecting site.
The online listing describes that the 1860s weatherboard school needs extensive renovation, structural work, replacement and new flooring.
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Kate Ashton, of Maryborough Ballarat Real Estate, said the old Goldsborough State School and the largely demolished house nearby offered a glimpse into the area’s history.
After a fire last 12 months, all that remains of the former house are brick chimneys and a former laundry.
The school building was used as a storage facility for decades after its closure in 1959.
The current owner bought the property in the 1960s for £800.
The remains of the former schoolmaster’s house after a fire.
The school closed in 1959, but in 1874, records show enrollment was 156 students.
The school building has been used as a warehouse since the 1960s.
Ms Ashton said the property at 216 Goldsborough Rd may even contain small pieces of gold underground, although there were no guarantees of this.
“Dunolly and Goldsborough is still the largest alluvial gold mining area in the world,” she said.
The old school is located in Victoria’s “Golden Triangle”, which lies roughly between Ballarat, Ararat and Wedderburn.
The area is famous for producing the largest alluvial gold nuggets discovered in Australia, including a 72 kg nugget called the “Welcome Stranger” found in 1869 14 km northwest of Dunolly.
![216 Goldsborough Rd, Goldsborough – for Herald Sun properties](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 768 1024"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The block is in an agricultural zone.
Ms Ashton said all historical remains and materials on the property, including items within the former school, would be included in the sale.
In 1855 gold was discovered in Goldsborough and many of the school’s students belonged to families who worked in nearby mines such as the historic Queen’s Birthday Mine.
As the address of the former school is covered by a listed building, anyone wishing to subdivide the property, demolish any of the buildings or carry out work that could alter the appearance of the listed building must first obtain planning permission from the local council.
The property is covered by a heritage condition under the Central Goldfields Planning Scheme.
There is also a dam and trees opposite the address.
Ms Ashton said if a buyer was prepared to obtain the necessary consents and put in the hard work, the former school could be converted into a character home, retreat or lifestyle property.
“It’s really unique and one of a kind and I can’t wait to see the transformation because I’m sure whoever buys it will do something amazing,” she added.
She has seen similar buildings in the area renovated and converted into homes for up to $200,000, including several off-grid homes.
Although electricity is available at the front of the former school building, it is currently unconnected.
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