The block of land that is currently home to the historic ‘Gatekeepers Cottage’ has been sold.
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More than 50 people watched the midday auction on Saturday at 1414 Gregory Street, the location of the historic building which was once a gatehouse for the Ballarat Botanical Gardens.
Professionals Ballarat real estate agent John McMahon said the 1450m2 block was sold for $680,000, with two bidders competing for the parcel of land.
“It was a great turnout, with a great result,” he said.
“It was sold to a local buyer who intends to build a family home on the block.”
Late last month councillors unanimously voted to approve a request made by the Friends of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens for the former ‘Gatekeepers Cottage’ to be relocated back to the Ballarat Botanical Gardens Fernery as part of a multi-million dollar development underway at the site.
The house has been the topic of much debate since the death of Ruth Beaton who lived in the cottage until she died aged 101 in 2014.
Friends of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens lobbied for the return of the building since it was placed on the market after Miss Beaton’s death.
It is the oldest surviving building related to the botanical gardens, having been constructed in the late 19th Century to house the gatekeeper at either the north or south end of the reserve.
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