Own a slice of history at this former Catholic monastery in Goulburn

Forget the superstitions about living in a church – because 24/8 Ben Street is flipping them on their head. 

The Catholic monastery turned unit complex is one of the most unusual offerings on the Goulburn market and was built by the former mayor of Goulburn and Methodist minister Francis Tait in the 1880s as a private mansion. 

From 1890 onwards, the building was known as the Marys Mount Monastery, a home for Catholic priests. It was vacated in 1953 and spent several years empty before being reconfigured into 26 units, making it into what is now known as one of Goulburn’s largest unit complexes. 

Unit 24, which features two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a large living area has been recently renovated and combines modern fixtures with period features.

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“We’re seeing a lot of people comment on the curved Gothic windows and the ceiling is nearly octagonal, the way it’s shaped out, which is creating a lot of interest as well,” selling agent Jayden Liggins of Carol James Real Estate said.

“A lot of people are liking those features and then pairing them up with the modern bathroom, it’s a little bit more warm and friendly compared with what the old monastery would have been.” 

As well as the modernisation of the bathroom, the current owners have installed new flooring and reverse-cycle air-conditioning, and painted the unit in preparation to sell. 

The living room opens onto a good-sized balcony, fitted with French doors, and the unit is the only address in the complex that has two dedicated parking areas. 

The complex sits high on a hill, and on private and well-kept grounds only five kilometres from Goulburn’s CBD. It’s close to one of the town’s fastest-developing residential estates, and new infrastructure, including childcare facilities. 

“We’re really lucky that Goulburn is expanding in that way, and you no longer need to go into the CBD for shopping centres or childcare,” Liggins said. 

The listing of the property has spiked the interest of potential buyers and history buffs alike, with groups coming through open homes to see a piece of local history. 

And despite the stigma about living in a former place of worship, Liggins said viewers of the unit have been not only curious but enthusiastic about the home. 

“Nobody’s been particularly superstitious, which is good!” he said. 

Though times may have changed since the historic property was built, the new owners are likely to enjoy many of the same creature comforts as the occupants of years gone by.