My Neighbourhood with Leah Panos

Teleisha Thomas

October 2024

Leah Panos, Director at Jellis Craig Central Victoria, has spent over two decades helping people find their dream homes in the beautiful region of Castlemaine and Maldon. Known for its rich heritage, vibrant arts scene, and idyllic country lifestyle, the area has attracted many looking to escape the bustle of city life.

We caught up with Leah to discuss her insights into the local property market, the rewards of working in a tight-knit community, and some of her favourite hidden gems that make this region so special.

Since starting your career in real estate in 2000, what do you love most about working in the industry?
Working and living in a small regional area my relationship with a purchaser or vendor never ends with the exchange of keys on settlement day. I will meet them continually throughout their journey, often at cafés, social and sporting events, or at the supermarket. Chatting about the improvements they have made to their home or gardens and seeing how they have settled into the community is so rewarding.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve received?
With regards to my career, it is to be consistent, genuine and authentic. Keeping up a consistent level of service, communication, attitude and empathy no matter what the market conditions throw at us is imperative.

Exterior 5 — **Do you have a favourite sold property? What made it so memorable?**
I love the history and character of a miner’s cottage or Victorian home. Cheddar House was one of my favourite properties. Not just for its architecture, history and charm, but mostly for its story. A vendor who sold their beautiful property and moved away from the region and who then missed not just the property but the area so much that they purchased it back and returned home declaring they would never leave again.

What type of lifestyle do areas such as Maldon and Castlemaine offer to locals?
Our region offers locals a more balanced lifestyle, one where they can choose their pace. We are so accessible these days, the freeway and train service provide easy access to Melbourne so locals feel that they can enjoy the benefits of country living without being isolated or cut off from their friends and family in metropolitan areas.

We have a very large, diverse and creative community. Most people moving to the area are doing so to follow their passions and will very quickly find themselves surrounded by like-minded people.

Tranquil — **What are the main reasons people are choosing to relocate from cities to these areas and what type of homes are these buyers looking for?**
Buyers moving to our area are usually looking to slow down a little and are in search of a better lifestyle for their family. They are often retiring, semi-retired, working from home or wanting more flexibility in their work life when they move to our region. Buyers often fall into one of two categories. They are either looking for a property closer to the middle of town, something low maintenance and in easy walking distance to the cafés and facilities. Or they are looking for the full rural living experience with small acreages, space for animals, gardens and a tranquil location.

Is the area popular for investors?
Yes, we do have many investors who purchase specifically for investment purposes only, however I would also say we have clients who are investing with their hearts. Investors who will hold on to their charming cottage, or a property that holds meaning for them. Proud homeowners that have held their country property and returned to the city for work or family, but are usually hoping to return home eventually.

C1a4b3894472c520e09a6ddcb4a3587f — **Are there cafés, restaurants, or parks that are particularly loved by locals you would share with out-of-town visitors?**
When visiting the area, the selection of cafés and eateries is exceptional. Every town has its own unique venue. You could visit the Harcourt Produce & General Store or Dig in Newstead. The botanical gardens are adjacent to The Mill in Castlemaine, a visit there could fill your afternoon very happily. Take the steam train from Castlemaine to Maldon where the street is lined with cafés and the historic bakery or visit the Porcupine Village that is due to open soon. A winery tour would be another great way to fill in the day and local produce markets are on most weekends.

What natural attractions define the lifestyle here? How do local art galleries, festivals, and markets shape the cultural life?
We have a very large, diverse and creative community. Most people moving to the area are doing so to follow their passions and will very quickly find themselves surrounded by like-minded people. Walking, hiking, biking and trail runs are all very popular, with Mount Tarrangower and Mount Alexander providing beautiful views and scenery. There are many historic landmarks to explore through the Castlemaine Diggings and National Heritage Park, Kalimna Park, Anzac Hill in Maldon and one of my personal favorites, the Rock of Ages. Art and music form a vital part of the lifestyle landscape. We have many galleries throughout the region and purchasing a property with studio space is one of the most common requests from buyers in our Gardens all bring thousands of people to our region each year. There is the Harcourt Apple Fest and in Maldon the big events are the Folk Festival, Easter Fair, the Hill Climb and Antique Fair. All these festivals and events are planned and produced by local people and groups, all working very hard to keep the region active and exciting to visit.

Leah Panos 081 — **Tell us about ‘home’.**
Home has always been Maldon for me. These days I live on ½ acre on the outskirts of town near the golf course. Living with my partner Jeremy and our two Whippets, Archie and Bazal. Our home has beautiful large, double-glazed doors and windows with north, south and east light filling the living spaces, I love the sense of space and warmth this gives.

What is a must-read book or podcast you recommend?
I’m not sure that cookbooks come into the must-read category for the majority of people, however, most recently I read Love & Foodat Gran’s Table. It is a collection of stories and recipes from 60 grandmothers from Australia and around the world.