Highton Manor, Mansfield: ‘Downton Abbey’ manor for sale
A boutique hotel inside a historic manor is bringing Downton Abbey down under.
An elaborate country manor that could be mistaken as a miniature Downton Abbey is turning heads on the Mansfield market.
The 1896 Victorian mansion with uninterrupted views of Mount Buller shares similarities to the regal castles of the UK, but it’s filled with Australian history.
It took almost 20 years to build the grand property as a residence at 140 Highton Lane for local pioneer Francis Highett.
It was constructed as a replica of his family’s ancestral home in Dorset, England.
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The incredible facade of Highton Manor.
Highclere Castle from Downton Abbey. Picture: Jeff Gilbert
More recently, Highton Manor has operated as a boutique hotel, licensed restaurant, bar and function centre for the past 20 years.
The hotel’s website describes Highett as a “colourful” character who won consecutive Victorian tennis championships, and a “fine tenor voice” that lead him to share the stage with famous opera singer Dame Nellie Melba.
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The local landmark with nine bedrooms and seven bathrooms is for sale with $2.75m-$3.025m price hopes.
District Property Group Mansfield director Jenny Gould said the listing was a prime opportunity for a commercial buyer who wanted to live and run a business from the historic property.
The regal style continues inside.
Ornate ceiling details and wallpaper.
It took almost 20 years to build the stately home to Francis Highett’s standards.
It also offers amazing views of Mount Buller.
“It’s an incredible function space for weddings, because venues are so booked out in Mansfield at the moment,” Ms Gould said.
“Everyone wants to do something closer to home this year, and regional tourism is booming.”
She said the manor had been restored and updated to include “a mixture” of decor from different eras.
“There’s some pretty amazing wallpaper,” Ms Gould said.
“It’s got incredible high ceilings, marble fireplaces and soaring ceilings. There’s all the things you imagine would be in your own castle.”
Plenty of historic places to explore.
One of the elegant bedrooms.
A retro bathroom.
Magnificent reception rooms, a well-fitted commercial kitchen and rustic bar with a wine cellar were also on offer.
The grand 1020sq m residence is on an impressive 3.92ha block of lush lawns, rose gardens and established trees.
“There’s also the option to purchase the neighbouring property, ‘The Stables’, in conjunction with the mansion, which adds another acre and a half (0.63ha),” Ms Gould said.
She said the second block was priced at “around the million dollar mark”.
Highton Manor is for private sale.
The space could continue as a successful bed and breakfast.
The commercial kitchen.
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