Property with a delicious history goes under hammer

A MERRICKS property previously known as The Old Chocolate Factory – and now redesigned as an up-market B&B – is being auctioned 3pm, Sunday 17 January, with price expectations of more than $1.5 million.

Such was the reputation and demand for the handmade chocolates that the chocolatier outgrew the premises attached to the home and moved to Flinders in 2009.

Now, the property, at 3494 Frankston Flinders Rd, is being sold by Kay & Burton agent Andrew Hines after the vendors, Paul and Julie Honore, recently sold the HR business Manpower.

Set on 7061 square metres (one and three-quarter acres) it has parklike grounds and abundant trees/birdlife, dam, chook house, studio, apartment and four-car garage.

The solid brick family home has separate living areas with log fires, outdoor decks, slow combustion wood fire, French Cheminees Philippe woodburner stove, reverse cycle air conditioning, plantation shutters, double drawer dishwasher, and en-suite with Spanish tiles.

The self-contained retreat sleeps six. Features include recycled floor boards, industrial lighting, Moroccan artisan tiled bathroom, stainless steel kitchen and double sided gas log fire.

Details: Andrew Hines 0400 630 630