From the outside it looks like an old Aussie pub – but everything changes when you take a step through the doors: ‘Breathtaking’

From the street, it looks like just another old pub tucked into one of Bendigo’s most historic pockets.

But behind its unassuming façade lies one of the most extraordinary homes in regional Victoria: a four-level architectural showpiece that has been transformed from a gold-rush era hotel into a breathtaking private residence.

Located in Bendigo, Victoria, the former Parkview Hotel was originally designed in 1872 by famed architect William Vahland.

Today, the once-bustling watering hole has been transformed into what agents describe as one of the most ‘incomparable’ homes ever to hit the Bendigo market.

A rare combination of heritage grandeur, clever design and resort-style living for this part of the country, featuring four bedrooms, three bathrooms and a whopping seven car parking spaces.

While the exterior still proudly reflects its 19th-century past, stepping across the threshold at 224 View Street reveals an entirely different mood.

The interior has been meticulously rebuilt around a striking four-storey glass lift which shows off as an unexpected centrepiece, and instantly signals this is no ordinary regional property.

Bendigo Ballarat Real Estate agent Jen Wallace summed it up best, describing the home as ‘elegant, substantial, soulful, historic, incomparable,’ and it’s not hard to see why.

The home stretches across approximately 510sqm, unfolding over four interconnected levels that each reveal something new.

Downstairs, a vast basement holds an impressive seven-car garage – a dream for anyone wanting easy storage in the heart of the town’s CBD.

Above it sits a ground-floor commercial tenancy with prime street frontage, providing an incredibly rare opportunity for buyers to generate income from their own home.

But it’s the residence itself that steals the show. The main living areas are flooded with light and framed by panoramic views stretching towards Bendigo’s iconic cathedral.

The chef’s kitchen opens onto a serene courtyard with a plunge pool, creating a peaceful backdrop for family life and entertaining.

Every detail, from the finishes to the flow, has been executed with precision, offering a level of modern refinement rarely seen in a heritage conversion of this scale.

At the very top of the home lies a ‘master retreat’ that rivals a boutique hotel. The entire floor is dedicated to privacy and indulgence, featuring a lounge, a luxurious ensuite, spacious his-and-hers dressing rooms and a private terrace perched above the city.

From here, the views sweep across the Bendigo skyline – a scene that makes the home feel more like an elevated retreat than a suburban residence.

‘It’s like an upscale luxury retreat,’ Jen said when advertising the listing, adding that the sense of calm and seclusion is unmatched despite being footsteps from Bendigo’s arts precinct, schools, hospitals and hospitality scene.

What makes it so extraordinary is how seamlessly it blends its 19th-century heritage with 21st-century technology and design.

It also has smart home integration, high-end materials and a layout crafted for modern living to strike a balance few historic homes achieve.

With a private sale guide of $3.5 million, the property is already generating significant buzz.

And while the home itself is undeniably the star of the show, its location in Bendigo only adds to the appeal. 

The regional city has become one of Victoria’s most sought-after lifestyle hubs in recent years, offering all the charm of a historic gold-rush town with the amenities, culture and dining scene of a much bigger centre.

Families in particular are flocking to the area for its top-tier schools, spacious parks, sporting facilities and the ease of having everything – from theatres to galleries to hospitals – just minutes away. 

The property market has followed suit, with Bendigo’s median house price sitting around the low-$600,000s, which is a figure that continues to attract Melbourne buyers who are fed up with soaring capital-city prices. 

Compared to the cost of a modest suburban home in Melbourne, Bendigo offers far more space, character and value for money, making it a hotspot for both families and investors wanting a better return.

Rental demand remains solid too, thanks to the city’s steady population growth, local universities and thriving health and hospitality sectors. 

Market analysts continue to list Bendigo among Victoria’s strongest regional performers where buyers feel confident they’re investing in both lifestyle and long-term growth.

So for potential buyers of this impressive property – or anyone looking to relocate to Bendigo – the benefits go far beyond the walls of this spectacular home.