Set in the misty green foothills of the Watagan Range in the picturesque Hunter Valley, this 1870 original school has been lovingly restored and tastefully renovated into a beautiful country home. Its two acres of landscaped park-like grounds are enveloped by the neighbouring farmland. Extensive country rose gardens and ancient trees surround the inspiring 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom historic home. Less than two hours from Sydney and convenient to Hunter Valley Wine Country, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and the Central Coast.
The sweet smell of a giant lemon-scented gum, classic post and rail gates and large swathes of country rose gardens provide the warmest welcome home. A wide covered porch and statement vintage red French doors offer the first glimpse of this homes artistic flair and rich character, building anticipation for the stunning interior. Three metre ceilings, elegant French chandeliers, beautiful original hardwood floorboards, and abundant natural light are the striking first impressions. The spacious main living area is open flowing on both sides to large covered outdoor patios. The eclectic kitchen has a 900mm wide cooker backed by a feature wall of pressed tin. A large central island forms a natural gathering place for friends and family and a fireclay butlers sink completes the period aesthetic. The huge kitchen window takes in the breathtaking vista beyond and is underscored by cheerful Petunias in pretty window boxes. An adjacent butlers pantry/laundry keeps the plumbed fridge and storage areas conveniently close and out of sight. Overscaled bifold doors frame the dramatic views of the Watagan mountains and surrounding pastures in the opposite direction, so that the dining room and kitchen are bordered on both sides by bucolic scenery. What a beautiful setting in which to live, cook and entertain!
An old-world open wood fire is the focal point of the lounge space. This original fireplace, built from convict bricks and antique timber bears the marks inside the chimney from the old kettle bar. At one end of the home is a large main bedroom with French doors to a quaint couple’s deck and sweeping views beyond. A large walk-in robe, deep-pile new carpeting and newly renovated ensuite with double basins and double shower add to the feeling of a luxurious peaceful retreat. At the opposite end of the schoolhouse is a character- filled powder room, study, beautiful new main bathroom with deep-soak ball and claw tub and two very generously-sized bedrooms, showcasing garden views from every window.
The home is rich in character and history, and tells its story in the gently warped vintage glass panes of the sash windows, heavy antique doors and the rich patina of the original floorboards throughout.
Outside, the covered alfresco spaces extend the internal living spaces and provide a seamless connection between the inside and out. The constantly changing seasons are displayed in their full glory, with gardens bursting to life in spring, the beautiful abundance of colours in summer, which fall in the autumn and the swirling mists cloak the fields in the cooler months. Festoon lights twinkle over the back garden, and an ancient gnarled tree gently holds a tree house for kids’ adventures in its spreading limbs. Stargazing against the vast backdrop of the mountain, while relaxing around a glowing fire-pit, feels worlds away and refreshes the soul. Life looks good here.
The deep country garden beds are succession- planted for year- round interest, and extend in broad curving swathes across the landscape. Abundant plantings of pink, blue and lilac flowers harmonise in a living bouquet, a pastel yellow garden walk frames the vista of the Watagan range beyond and an elegant all-white oval garden glows at dusk. The lush lawns benefit from the natural mist belt and are green year- round. Enjoy peaceful strolls through the garden rooms, picking posies with postcard views in every direction, or relaxing with a cup of tea to the accompaniment of the prolific musical birdsong, which is particular to the property due to the mature tree canopy.
The old tea room and shedding doubles as storage and a garage and the yard is fenced. Solar power also reduces the footprint and running cost of the beautiful home. The antique 6m deep underground reservoir, made with convict bricks and covered with an original stone wagon wheel, supplies the gardens irrigation needs.
This is a very special property, steeped in history, story and authentic character yet thoughtfully renovated to fully embrace modern open plan living, entertaining and comforts. This is a rare opportunity.
email
cainb@jurds.com.au
