Originally built in 1910 and owned by one of the great apple growing families in the Huon Valley, this grand residence was once surrounded by expanses of apple orchards. Lovingly restored and now in its own private leafy garden, it still stands today as one of the great homes of the Huon Valley. A very picturesque 45 minutes drive from Hobart and within 2 minutes up the valley from the majestic waters of the Huon River estuary, it enjoys protection from the wind, without losing the all-day sun and the calming distant water views through the sitting room window.
As soon as you enter through the gates, you instantly feel removed from normality. A sealed driveway takes you up past the house to a three bay garage. A mass of Chinese wisteria covers a pergola linking the garage with the rear of the house. Alternatively a rustic timber arch invites you to enter the garden.
The gardens are well established, with an array of moods that are forever changing with the seasons. Cool and shady in summer, yet bright and sunny in winter. A large lawned area flows around the front of the house and deep into the garden. Currently set up for a casual game of croquet, it is easy to lose yourself to the sounds of birds and the babbling brook flowing by.
The garden also boasts big poplars, a huge weeping willow and an assortment of fruit trees that include apricot, plum, apple, mulberry, grapefruit and lemon. A hazelnut tree sits among exotic plants with 9000 plus bulbs that flood the garden with colour in spring. There is a dry-stone wall feature, a rhododendron walk and many types of roses scattered throughout. Brick pathways lead up to the house, some lit by old railway platform lights, direct from a by-gone era. Two small spring-fed ponds, one with an arch bridge, will complete the scene for any discerning romantic at heart.
Stepping inside this grand old home instantly makes an impression. A huge hallway houses a majestic timber staircase and gives access to the maid's quarters at one side and a sun drenched artist's studio to the other, with direct access to loads of attic storage space.
Downstairs the master bedroom enjoys tranquil views of the gardens through huge bay windows, as does the guest room next to it. A further 2 rooms could be bedrooms 4 and 5, or as is currently, one a library and the other the storage area for the lawn crocket set and fly fishing equipment. This room has splendid French doors that open up onto the paved outdoor entertainment courtyard and gardens beyond.
Opposite is the formal study with its own open fire place, another character filled hallway and the grand sitting room complete with another open fireplace and distant water glimpses. The formal dining room has a real country feel, particularly with the antique 1740 table (available for purchase) that complements the room perfectly. Here there is a slow combustion fireplace which is fan ducted into the main hallway.
Off the dining is a kitchen that keeps you in the mood of the era with a whole out building just outside to store all your jams and preserves. The bathroom also keeps the romanticism going with the antique style gold plated taps & shower head. Most rooms have their original pressed tin ceilings adding that extra authentic touch.
The owners are happy to discuss the sale of some of the furniture as well as other interesting items in the house. To organise a tour through this lovely home and its gardens, please call me anytime.
- Grand old home lovingly restored
- Original pressed tin ceilings
- Established, private & tranquil gardens
- Formal rooms & artist's studio upstairs
- Loads of character (too much to list)
Construction: Weatherboard, Year Built: 1910, Heating: Wood
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