The Bishop's Palace in Ballarat has been listed for sale. Picture: Jason Edwards Source: Herald Sun
A MAN'S home is his castle - unless it's a palace. For Robert Smith and his family, Bishop's Palace in Ballarat has been home for 20 years.
The six-bedroom palace with solid bluestone walls was built in 1877 to house the town's first bishop, Dr Michael O'Connor.
The builder was Joseph Reed, who also built the State Library of Victoria, Melbourne's Trades Hall and Ripponlea Estate.
The Bishop's Palace in Ballarat has been listed for sale. Picture: Jason Edwards
The palace still bears the original stencilling across its walls, mahogany balustrades on staircases and even the original dining table, bought with the Palace from the Catholic Church 20 years ago.
"It is probably the most original and historic house you will find in Victoria," Mr Smith said.
The Bishop's Palace in Ballarat has been listed for sale. Picture: Jason Edwards
The Smiths, particularly Robert's wife Vikki, have been at pains to fill the palace with furniture from the period in which it was built.
Antique items included in the sale range from statues to the original Conversation Chair from Victoria's Parliament House. The six bedrooms each have an ensuite bathroom, there are maids' quarters (now a home gym), a sitting room, cellar and breakfast room.
The Bishop's Palace in Ballarat has been listed for sale. Picture: Jason Edwards
In the heart of Ballarat, the property has views ranging across town and Lake Wendouree.
At 1444 Sturt St, it also boasts sprawling gardens of 1.45ha, with a spa pavilion, barbecue area, rotunda and cubby house.
Owner of the Bishop's Palace in Ballarat, Robert Smith. Picture: Jason Edwards
"It's been a perfect family home," Mr Smith said.
"But it's getting a bit too big for the two of us, now."
The Bishop's Palace in Ballarat has been listed for sale. Picture: Jason Edwards
Fittingly, it will cost the new owner a king's ransom. The asking price is $6.5 million - a record for Ballarat, according to listing agent Neil Jens from PRD Nationwide.
Owner of the Bishop's Palace in Ballarat, Robert Smith. Picture: Jason Edwards
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