2455 Esk Main Road, Avoca TAS 7213

Constructed by convict labour, River View Cottage (known locally as simply 'The Cottage') shares a unique story with the history of the Fingal Valley. Servicing as a Police Barracks during colonisation of Van Diemen's Land; the property later became a holding station for ticket-of- leave convicts. Many of the convicts stationed at this property would have been ordered in the construction of road from Conara Junction to Avoca. Nowadays; the Esk Main Road is one of the major arteries linking Tasmania's East Coast with the Midlands Highway via the Fingal Valley.
Local folklore witnessed a number of episodes of convict punishment on the riverbank of this property during its time as a convict station. After servicing as a ticket-of-leave station; the property became an illegal pub; but was never licensed as it remained in the ownership by the government of the day. Once the illegal pub ceased operations, the property provided a resident for the district nurse. Waiting until the St Pauls River would reside; the nurse would cross the river to an waiting horse back; to service the district with health needs.
By 1890; the home passed into private hands of the Foster family, who owned a number agricultural of properties in the Fingal Valley. The Foster's constructed the Federation style wooden extension onto the original home which featured think convict stone walls. The Foster's property stretched along the eastern side of the St Pauls River; but was dissected during the constructed the first bridge which cross the St Pauls River.
Fast forward to the present day, 'The Cottage' has been owned by the current for almost two decades and features the following:
-Three spacious bedrooms.
-Formal lounge room.
-Formal living room.
-Commercial kitchen with quality appliances.
-Store room; complete with security safe.
-Separate laundry and powder room.
The finishes throughout the 22 square floor plan are of the highest quality keeping in tune with age and style of such property.
Set on 1.605ha (3.66 acres) the grounds are set upon, is also steeped in history. The back-paddock area was known to locals as 'The Gathering'; carriages and bullock teams camp awaiting the St Pauls River to reside enough to cross prior to the construction of a bridge. The riverbank area was known as 'the esplanade' which was a popular picnic/fishing area for locals. Nowadays, the grounds of the property feature the following:
-24m/6m machinery shed.
-7m/6m double lock-up garage/workshop.
-7m/6m spa shed, luxurious rectangle spa and shower.
Avoca is situated on the banks of the South Esk River near the confluence of the St Pauls River. Avoca is a leisurely 50-minutes' drive from Launceston CBD and Launceston Airport and only 25 minutes' drive east from Campbell Town. This property is within walking distance of the Avoca Primary School; Post Office; Roadhouse/supermarket.
It has been noted as one of the oldest properties in the district; 'The Cottage' has formed a unique piece in the history of not only the Fingal Valley district but the formation of Tasmania.
For more information about the property; feel free to contact Nick Hay to arrange a private inspection.
Council rates: $tba p/y approx.
Water rates: tba p/q approx.
Year built: 1832
Land size: 1.605 Ha (3.966 acre) approx.
Building size: 208m2 (22.3 squares) approx.
Roof material: Galvanized iron
Wall material: Weatherboard
Zoning: 26.0 Rural Resource.
Council: Northern Midlands Council.
Rental estimate: $TBA per week
The information contained herein has been supplied to us and we have no reason to doubt its accuracy, however, we cannot guarantee it. Accordingly, all interested parties should make their own enquiries to verify this information.