Why this Victorian Golden Triangle is booming

Located in the centre of Victoria is a thriving, vibrant region known as the Golden Triangle.

The region comprises some of the state's most popular towns for tourism, including Ballarat, Bendigo, Castlemaine and Daylesford, and has a rich history to boot.

The area got its name from the gold rush period from 1851 and until the late 1860s when prospectors descended on the towns from all over the world in the hope of making their fortunes.

The gold rush left a lasting legacy on the area with some of the most exceptional and elaborate architecture and streetscapes.

'North Northcote' and the Melbourne migration

Director and principal of Belle Property Bendigo, Castlemaine and Maldon, Rob Waller, has worked in the area for 30 years and has seen a steady increase of Melbourne migration.

"In my early days, 50 per cent of the buyers came from Melbourne, for the last 20 years it's more like 75 to 80 per cent of people coming from the inner north of Melbourne," said Mr Waller.

This migration from Melbourne's inner north earned Castlemaine the nickname "North Northcote".

Mr Waller believes people are attracted to the "vibrant, arty community" and an excellent train service that means residents have the convenience of the city with the lifestyle of the country.

"There's a lot of people who go into Melbourne for work two days a week," he said. "They can go and see friends, go to nice lunch spots, and then catch a later train home.

"It's the best of both worlds."

A vibrant, diverse community

Having lived in Daylesford all his life, director of Biggin Scott Ballarat and Creswick, Tom Shaw, believes there are many factors that make the region particularly special.

"It's the diverse mix of people, the health and wellbeing aspect, the festivals, the food and wine, the culture, as well as being really nice and easy to get to from Melbourne."

A popular regional town for the queer community, Daylesford recently held Chill Out Festival a queer country pride festival in its 29th year.

"About 30,000 people came up for that weekend, which was just awesome," said Mr Shaw. "It was such a beautiful display of diversity and acceptance."

Unsurprisingly, the majority of migration comes from Melbourne buyers looking to make a tree change. However, Mr Shaw is seeing an increase from interstate buyers.

"I've got some buyers coming down this weekend from Sydney and from Queensland as well," he said. "We're even seeing people coming over from Adelaide.

"People come for the weekend and tend to buy houses, move in and stay for a long time."

Properties for sale in the Goldfields

A designer country retreat in Trentham

Designed by renowned interior stylist Belle Hemming, this country retreat in Trentham is ideal for those looking for a stylish country escape. The fully-renovated home features four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a mudroom, and sage-green kitchen with farmhouse sinks.

The 2853-square-metre block includes a lush, leafy outlook, as well as a gazebo for outdoor dining, large lock-up garage, shed, chicken coop and mature fruit trees.

A bold bushland retreat in Hepburn Springs

Known as Matchbox House, this boldly designed retreat is set on over one acre of tranquil bushland. Located in Hepburn Springs, the home features a striking facade of hardwood cladding and floor-to-ceiling glass that creates a canvas for the landscape.

The property includes three bedrooms, two bathrooms, an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area with wood-burning fireplace. Despite its secluded location, the home is only a 500-metre walk to the famous Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa complex - ideal for spa lovers.

Art deco elegance in Daylesford

If you're after an art deco gem, look no further. This modernised period home is located in Daylesford and features four bedrooms, one bathroom, a study, mudroom, renovated kitchen and separate living room.

But it's perhaps in the outdoor spaces where this property truly shines. Beside an outdoor entertaining area with awning is a heated swimming pool, fireplace and beautiful landscaped gardens.

An architectural sanctuary in Castlemaine

Designed by Wolveridge Architects, this elevated sanctuary in Castlemaine was featured on Australia's Best House in the Best Family Home category. The property features four bedrooms, three bathrooms, study, multiple living zones and a sleek kitchen.

Outside is an entertaining pavilion with built-in barbecue, integrated refrigeration and seating, a heated pool and a four-car garage with gym space.