One of Fyansford’s historic homes, pre-dating the First World War, has just hit the market.

The enchanting house at 55 Lower Paper Mills Road is number two of six Barwon paper mill workers’ cottages, the earliest known purpose-built company housing in Victoria.

The three-bedroom cottage, designed by Joseph Watts in 1879, is priced at $1.049-$1.099 million.

Beyond the stained-glass entrance, the imposing family home has been updated and revamped over the years, while retaining its 1800s charm.

Contemporary touches complement the original period characteristics, while the weatherboard extension at the rear has doubled the size of the house to allow for a modernised, open-plan layout.

A mix of elements add to the cottage’s allure, including original and locally acquired bluestone, an iron roof and brick mantle fireplace.

The period home boasts soaring high ceilings, a built-in bookshelf that partly wraps around the lounge room, and quirky checked bathroom flooring.

While the home is just a hop, skip and jump to Geelong’s CBD, it feels as though it is in a world of its own, according to Barry Plant Highton agent Josh Ricketts.

“This property takes you on a bit of a journey, you feel like you’re a million miles away at a rural Airbnb”, he said.

“You get a true sense of the history as you walk through the front gates.”

Mr Ricketts said the cottage breathes original, cosy charm, while the rear is “super modern and innovative”.

“The back part of the house has been completely reworked, a perfect blend of contemporary and traditional,” he said.

Perched at the top of 4.5m ceilings are 14 parallel electric windows that allow a breeze to flow through the home, while also flooding it with natural light.

French doors at the rear lead out to a private oasis, and established gardens and tranquil surrounds complement the character-filled, history-rich home perfectly. 

Climbing plants have taken over the pillars of the gazebo to provide shade and atmosphere in the fairy tale-like setting. 

Other features include reverse-cycle heating and cooling, a recently updated kitchen, bathroom, laundry and a four-car garage or workshop at the far rear.

The property will go to auction on Saturday, May 29 at 10am.