Damian Larkin has secured $560,000 for a four-bedroom bell tower apartment in Wendouree through a private treaty campaign that required persistent vendor communication and constant market adjustments.
The challenge that shaped the campaign
Damian faced a distinctive challenge when marketing 28/300 Gillies Street North — a four-bedroom bell tower apartment whose historic character and prominent Wendouree location generated significant interest, but whose internal stairs proved a barrier for most potential buyers.
The property’s uniqueness drew inspectors from across the region, with some travelling from out of town specifically to view the residence as a day trip. Yet translating that curiosity into a committed buyer required persistent market adjustments.
“It’s a very unique property with nothing to do — all the work was complete,” Damian said.
“It was close to the train station, the freeway, and also only a short walk to Ballarat’s famous Lake Wendouree.”
Constant adjustment and communication
Throughout the campaign, Damian maintained regular reporting to his vendors, adjusting both the guide and marketing approach as market conditions shifted. The transparency proved important — when the property finally sold via private treaty for $560,000, the vendors’ response reflected their appreciation for being kept informed every step of the way.
“They were very relieved, but having been kept up to date the whole campaign, they were also very understanding of the market and very appreciative of the hard work that was put in,” Damian said.
The successful buyer came from out of town, drawn by the combination of the apartment’s turnkey presentation and its location advantages. Where other inspectors had been deterred by the stairs or viewed the property purely out of curiosity, this buyer recognised the value proposition: a fully renovated historic residence with modern functionality, positioned within walking distance of Lake Wendouree and close to major transport links.
A rare offering in Wendouree’s heritage precinct
The apartment sits within Wendouree’s heritage-linked precinct around the former Redemptorist Monastery, about 6 km northwest of Ballarat’s CBD. The area combines character architecture with strong walkability to Stockland Wendouree shopping, Wendouree Railway Station, and the Western Freeway. The broader Wendouree market recorded a median around $542,000 in September 2026.
The bell tower apartments at 300 Gillies Street North represent a tightly held pocket of the local market, with listings described as rare opportunities to secure character residences with larger-than-average layouts.
What the campaign demonstrates
For sellers considering unique or challenging properties, Damian’s approach offers a clear lesson: transparency and persistence matter as much as marketing strategy. By maintaining constant vendor communication and adjusting to market feedback rather than holding to a fixed approach, he managed a property with genuine buyer barriers to a result that left his clients both relieved and grateful.
The campaign also demonstrates that distinctive properties can attract widespread interest without immediately converting to offers — and that the agent’s role in that scenario is to keep vendors informed while continuing to put the property in front of new buyers until the right match appears.
About the Agent
Damian Larkin has built a reputation in Ballarat for honesty, reliability, and genuine commitment to client results. Growing up locally, he brings deep area knowledge alongside marketing expertise and strong negotiation skills honed across real estate, university sector, and broadcasting roles. Damian believes successful sales come from well-planned campaigns that maximise buyer exposure, whether via auction or private treaty. Visit Damian’s website for more information or call Damian on 0417088755.