41 Gills Lane, Brunkerville NSW 2323

Nestled in the foothills of Watagan Range in the picturesque Hunter Valley, this historic 1870 schoolhouse has been meticulously restored and elegantly transformed into the most charming country home. Surrounded by lush green farmland, it features two acres of park-like grounds which beautifully frame the three-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom schoolhouse along with a modern barn complete with loft storage and fully self-contained leisure quarters for friends and family. The property is only one hour and forty-five minutes (139km) from Sydney airport and seven minutes to the Sydney Freeway access. This location is a gateway to the delights of the Hunter Valley Wine Country, Lake Macquarie and Newcastle and is within easy reach of the Central Coast.

You are greeted by a landscaped entry framing security gates and a winding driveway leading to the stunning property. Your first glimpse is of the extensive wrap around verandas hugging the hundred and fifty year old house. Beautiful antique French doors lead into a meticulously restored home which impresses with its high, three-meter ceilings, French vintage chandeliers, and an abundance of natural light. The generous main living area seamlessly connects to spacious outdoor verandas on either side with wide windows providing stunning country vistas from every room. The newly installed kitchen with fluted oak cabinetry and blue shaker doors becomes the centrepiece. A striking 900mm cooker and large central island brings family and friends together while a fireclay sink and a large kitchen window—overlooking the extensive gardens and grand water feature —enhances the kitchen's period charm. An adjoining butler's pantry/laundry area provides convenient storage and utility space.

The home's design masterfully captures the dramatic scenery of the Watagan Mountains and lush pastures, offering picturesque views from both the dining room and kitchen. The presence of an old-world, open wood fireplace, constructed from convict bricks and antique timber, adds a focal point to the lounge, encapsulating the home's historical essence. The master bedroom, complete with French doors opening onto a romantic deck, a spacious walk-in robe, plush new carpeting and an updated ensuite with luxurious fixtures. The home also features a powder room, a study, a new main bathroom with a classic deep-soak tub and two large bedrooms, each with newly installed built-in robes.

Rich in history and character, the home narrates its past through the original vintage glass of the sash windows, heavy antique doors, and the warm patina of the restored hardwood floorboards. Enormous screened bi-fold doors open up the amazing living area to the allow the indoors to flow seamlessly into the huge covered outdoor alfresco area. This provides incredible space for entertainment that allows you to enjoy the seasonal tapestry of the gardens—vibrant in spring, lush in summer, colourful in autumn, and softly veiled in winter mists. The gardens, adorned with ancient trees, one harbouring a treehouse, invite adventures and stargazing evenings by a fire-pit area beyond.

Enhanced with solar power for reduced environmental impact and running costs and supported by underground reservoir for irrigation, this property has also been equipped with 3 phase power, new on-site-waste-treatment system, new concrete driveways and all new drainage throughout. Furthermore, the property boasts plentiful parking, accommodating up to six vehicles, including space for motorhomes and recreational vehicles.

Viewings are available by private appointment.