18 Gellibrand Street

'Neptune Cottage' Circa 1860s

Description

Quietly composed and newly refreshed, 'Neptune Cottage' now reveals itself with a softer, calmer presence. An interior cosmetic renovation has gently elevated the home, embracing conscious simplification, billowing light and a sense of quiet luxury that encourages true rest and reflection. Old world character remains beautifully intact, yet feels newly awakened; Baltic pine floors glow underfoot, original cast-iron fireplaces anchor the rooms with history, soaring ceilings breathe space and ease and natural light drifts effortlessly through the home, carrying ancient garden views and bay glimpses deep within. From the east facing verandah, the bay becomes a daily companion. Passing ships trace the horizon, the amphitheatre of the water hums softly and the aquamarine playground of Queenscliff's foreshore sits just steps from the front door. Set proudly beside the iconic Queenscliff Hotel, opposite parklands and the South Pier, this home occupies an immense, tightly held allotment in one of the town's most evocative positions. Behind an established cottage garden lies a residence layered with life and legacy. First established in the early 1860s and thoughtfully added to over generations, the home unfolds across four bedrooms, living, sitting and dining room, a beautifully renovated kitchen, and two bathrooms. At its heart, a light-filled atrium courtyard acts as a quiet pause, drawing sun into connecting hallways and uniting the mid-Victorian frontage with the earlier rear footprint, once original outbuildings, now seamlessly woven into daily living. Affectionately known as 'The Stables', the standalone studio has been finely tuned into a light, airy accommodation space. Calm, fully appointed and garden connected, it is ideal for visiting family and friends or as a potential Airbnb or restorative retreat (STCA), adding a valuable layer of flexibility. Beyond, the rear garden unfolds as a rare, time honoured sanctuary. Ancient fig, flowering jacaranda and towering she-oaks provide scale and shade, while winding paths, sheds and seasonal plantings create a landscape rich in texture and tranquillity, an outdoor tapestry unique to this era alone. With its deep historical roots and newly considered calm, 'Neptune Cottage' unfolds as a soulful coastal retreat, seamlessly uniting period craftsmanship, flourishing gardens and the timeless presence of the bay.

Property Details