There's something alluring about the quiet, stately presence of this enormous Federation Queen Anne mansion known as "Derwent Court", accessible from the beautiful leafy streetscape of Fitzroy Place along a private driveway that opens out to reveal this enormous property. There is a sense of intrigue and surprise at how easily such a special residence has escaped the attention so many properties of this era and calibre often attract around Hobart, partly due to its discreet frontage. Comprising of over 18 bedrooms across 2 levels, 11 toilets and 6 living rooms, the versatile layout, enormous size and exclusive location will leave you contemplating all the exciting possibilities for the future use of this unique residential property. The current owners initiated plans to restore this amazing property back to its original configuration, and are happy for the new owner/s to utilise these preliminary drawings.
Built around 1900 and extended up until the late 1970's, few homes offer the sheer size and versatility in both layout and potential use. In its original state, "Derwent Court" was once a 15-room residence, constructed for a Mr Gray, manager of the Cascade Brewery, named "Manor Court" at the time. The grounds it rested on, once boasted a tennis court, coachman's/gardeners cottage, and a housemaid's flat. Around 1960, "Manor Court" as it was then known as, was converted into a nursing home. This use continued with different owners until 1979 onwards, when it was re-modelled and extended to become the place it is today. In 1984, the nursing home was renamed "Derwent Court", a name that has been etched into the history books.
All of the rooms throughout are big. The stately feel flows right though from the original to the more recent extension…although there is a clear delineation between the two. With many of the nursing home finishes and fixtures still remaining in the newer section, you get this most amazing feeling of walking through a building that embraces you as you walk along its corridors! Beautiful architectural period features have been retained in much of the original part of this historic residence, showcasing stunning timber coffered ceilings, exposed rafters, leadlight windows, the original tower rooms, huge bay windows, ornate ceiling decorations and rose, timber wainscoting and dados, and the detailed timber fireplace surround including mantle and shelving in the entrance.
Three living areas plus a designated dining room on the lower level, can be used to amply accommodate the thirteen bedrooms on this floor, with a central commercial style kitchen complete with stainless steel benches to service the dining room across the corridor. The numerous amenities required to accommodate the occupants of this unique property, are all here, with the majority of the toilets in cubicles and separate shower rooms to some of the bathrooms to take pressure off at the peak times!
A beautiful staircase leads upstairs to the additional two living areas and upstairs sitting room, complete with the stunning original leadlight and arched window frames - the ideal relaxation space for these five bedrooms upstairs. Additional bathrooms and toilet facilities plus a convenient kitchenette for those late night snacks, is perfect for the upper level occupants. Water views from the front lounge on this upper level, are a pleasant surprise and the abundance of natural light is something that flows throughout the entire building.
Resting on 2,152sqm of expansive level grounds, the building is set back on the land, allowing in excess of 10 vehicles on site at any one time with plenty of room for turning in the forecourt and clear access to the property at all times. The size of this land surrounding this building also provides a blank canvas for you to design your own garden paradise, befitting of the style and era of this magnificent property. A huge 196sqm basement provides excellent access to under the house aswell as ample storage for all those extras you do not want inside.
Let your imagination go wild. Consider how you might maximise its potential in its capacity for accommodation, be that converting "Derwent Court" into executive townhouses, a boarding house, a home based business provided the business space does not exceed 50sqm, accommodation and home combined, or a residence for extended families/communal living in this exclusive enclave. The main stipulation being, you cannot displace the residential component/use or capability for the area.
This amazing property really does need to be seen to appreciate the pure size and the fabulously convenient location - an easy walk to the city, Battery Point and a selection of schools, both private and public close by. This piece of Tasmanian history is now on the market, ready for the next owner to become the new "caretaker" of "Derwent Court" for decades to come!
Well hidden from the hustle and bustle of the everyday activity around you, "Derwent Court" provides this once in a lifetime opportunity to explore how you can make this amazing residence transform your life!
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