This handmade brick cottage has a history from the original Forest Creek gold rush, and is located in the centre of where it all happened.
Governor Macquarie was responsible for the original crown giants of land to the citizens in 1851 and the land where this cottage has rested for the past 125 years was granted to a Mr. Allen.
Council rate records show that the land was vacant until it was bought by a Mr Goldsmith in 1876-77 when he constructed the cottage and rented it to a Mr A. W. Maud whose occupation was clerk.
Also appears from the records that the tenant paid the council rates and that the property at the time was valued at 16 pounds which was a little more than surrounding cottages – one would therefore assume it was quite a special cottage in that era.
However, the rates were cut to 10 pounds, and one wonders if Mr Maud in his working capacity had any influence over the rate collector or if a complaint was lodged regarding the valuation of the property.
On Sep 9th in Mt Alexander mail there was an item of news that Mr Goldsmith the owner of the property had died at the age of 69 years. The article read’ one of the earliest settlers and best known residents of Castlemaine Mr Goldsmith died yesterday morning at about 9 ‘o’clock. In the very early days he commenced business as a storekeeper and dealer in Forest Street, but afterwards moved to market square where he continued trading and made money so quickly that he built a hotel.
Having let this to a good tenant he went to England with intentions of remaining, but the colony having a great attraction for him he returned to Castlemaine after an absence of four years.
At one point he had a seat in the municipal council in the stormy days when it was frequently suggested that the police be sent to control the fiery eloquence of local representatives. A few years ago he offered himself as a candidate for the Borough Council, but he was not then successful in obtaining a seat. He however watched all the proceedings of that body with great interest and never failed to criticize them when they were not in harmony with his views. In politics he also took a lively interest and though not a principal was always a partaker in the excitement.
He was a native of Gravesend and had nearly reached the allotted span of life, being within months of his 69th year.
Many residents will miss the old familiar face of a friend in the square who had always something piquant to relate about passing events.
It was also reported in the Mt Alexander Mail on Sep 11, 1884 that a funeral of Mr Goldsmith the fire bell tolled and the flag was at half-mast.
The current owners of this charming piece of history have decided to sell. It is located in a tree lined street, amongst old homes and cottages and is only a short walk to the centre of Castlemaine, the railway station and the shops.
The home was sandstone foundations and an elevated front verandah, which has stone steps and is paved with slate flagstones. There is central passage with high ceilings and an ornate plaster arch, which leads to the living room.
There are three double bedrooms, two of which have timber overmantels and open fireplaces. The living room contains a natural gas heater and leads to the kitchen/family area. The kitchen has a gas cooker. The bathroom is very large with a large toilet and a vanity.
There is a storage shed and outside laundry and a second toilet.
This is a home with a history which could capture the imagination and leave you wondering about all the colourful and interesting people who have graced the front door step.
This property is for sale at $575,000. For more information or to arrange an inspection contact selling agents Keogh Real Estate at 21 Hargraves Street Castlemaine on 54721248.
Features
- Open Fireplace
- Shed
