86-88 Skene St, Dunkeld VIC 3294, Australia
Houses like this rarely come on the market in Dunkeld. Collins House — circa 1890, has been lovingly reimagined to marry timeless heritage charm with modern comfort, offering a sanctuary of peace, light, and soul just a short stroll from Dunkeld’s main street and the iconic 2 hatted Royal Mail Hotel.
Originally built by the Collins family, one of Dunkeld’s early pioneering families who owned a butchers shop and several local hotels at the time, this home carries stories of the town’s past, whispering history in every corner. Set on an expansive 1,996 sqm (approx.) of lush, established and low maintenance gardens, the house greets you with sash windows, polished timber floors, and a sense of calm that only comes from a place with heart. Every window looks out to serene greenery, abundant birdlife, and an ancient gum tree that stands as a majestic sentinel over the rear garden.
The new country-style kitchen is the heart of the home — a space that invites conversation and the simple joys of cooking and entertaining. Featuring a decorative original wood stove, a 6-burner dual-fuel Smeg oven, charming timber bench tops, fridge cavity and stunning centre island with double farmhouse sink, designer tapware and stone bench that overlooks the gorgeous dining area that leads out to the decked undercover Alfresco and paved courtyard. From the kitchen you flow seamlessly into the sunlit living room that is warmed by a new wood heater and French doors taking you out to the second of the three picture perfect entertaining areas. Multiple windows in these zones draw the outside in, enhancing the sense of peace and light.
Three generous bedrooms, a fresh and light-filled central bathroom, and an external office or retreat with split-system heating and cooling provide versatile, comfortable spaces for family, guests, working from home or creative pursuits.
Outside, the experience continues – The north-facing courtyard invites morning coffee, while a fire pit framed by twinkling fairy lights (the third of the outside entertainment zones) sets the scene for relaxed evenings beneath the stars. The gardens offer a designated space for a vegetable patch, established fruit trees — including a flourishing lemon tree — and a chicken coop, crafting a sustainable, self-sufficient lifestyle. Reclaimed brick terraces, verandas and a shaded arbour provide idyllic spots to soak up the garden’s serenity, mountain views and breathtaking sunsets.
Whisper quiet yet connected, Collins House is only moments from Dunkeld’s cafes, galleries, and walking tracks, and at the gateway to the Grampians National Park. If you’ve been dreaming of a slower pace, fresh air, and a home with soul — this is it. Rare, character-filled, and utterly inviting, Collins House offers the perfect blend of history, comfort, and modern country living.
