Prized for their rich history and old world charm, period homes in country Victoria are selling fast in a “red-hot” property market.

Barry Plant Ballarat and Bendigo agents have been swept off their feet with enquiries from buyers swooping on period homes the minute they hit the market.

A historical sandstone homestead at 31 Dundas Road, Maryborough, was snapped up by a Castlemaine buyer within two weeks of listing for $350,000, at the top of its price range.

The property attracted strong interest from locals and buyers from Melbourne, interstate and the United States, according to Barry Plant Ballarat sales agent Adam Henderson.

“A potential buyer from Boston was returning to live in the area,” Mr Henderson said.

Rich in history and character, the home sold after its first open-house inspection.

“We had multiple offers for this property because it’s a rarity in the market,” Mr Henderson said.

Home to the owners for 46 years, the three-bedroom house on 905sq m had changed hands four times since it was built in the late 19th century.

Believed to have been constructed by an English stonemason in 1881, it features a return concave veranda, open fireplaces and a cellar under one of the bedrooms.

A plasterer, who owned the home in 1917, displayed his craft on the high ceilings, which are adorned with ornate cornices and intricate roses.

While there is potential to renovate the house, the new owners will retain its original character and charm, Mr Henderson said.

In Bendigo, an exquisite three-bedroom period cottage at 35A Honeysuckle Street, was sold after the first open-house inspection, above its $430,000-$450,000 asking price.

“This property was only listed for a couple of days with more than 60 groups attending the first open,” Barry Plant Bendigo partner Jesse Forbes said.

“The market is red-hot in Bendigo.”

The home sold to local business people who plan to lease it out or convert it to holiday accommodation, according to Mr Forbes.

Dating back to 1868, the home was initially owned by a mine manager and changed hands a number of times.

Modernised in recent years, the 153-year-old cottage holds original features including a cedar fireplace, Baltic pine floors, and dry sandstone cellar under the kitchen.

A fire-stoked washing machine, now styled as a shelf in the main bedroom, stained glass windows and timber-lined ceilings also adorn the home.

Barry Plant Ballarat and Bendigo offices have a range of properties attracting strong interest from buyers wanting to secure a piece of local history.

Renovated to modern standards, a four-bedroom house at 208 Gladstone Street, Mount Pleasant, priced at $580,000-$620,000, comes with original ceilings and fireplaces.

Also on the market is a four-bedroom Victorian cottage at 197 Humffray Street North, Ballarat East, with a $550,000 asking price.

Home to the same family for more than 21 years, the brick house features high ceilings and fireplaces, and has the potential for refurbishment.