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Its not often one of the grand old homes in the tightly held original section of East Maitland comes onto the market.
But this period beauty is in a class of its own, with original features, stunning sandstone construction and an enviable street presence in the heart of the suburbs heritage district.
Originally built in 1838 as a local inn frequented by those involved in the river port trade at Morpeth, the construction of the Maitland Gaol 150m down the road in the 1840s saw the building converted into a grand residence for the gaols governor.
It was later reconfigured into two adjoining homes before being returned to a single family residence in the 1960s.
Now considered historically significant as one of the earliest surviving houses in East Maitland, the home represents one of the finest examples of low key Colonial Regency architecture in the area.
It features a stunning river sandstone exterior and a corrugated iron roof, with a wide bullnose hipped verandah with timber posts and decorative cast iron corner brackets running along the front.
Four sets of French doors with timber shutters open out onto this verandah, while solid timber doors at either end hark back to its use as adjoining households.
The original period features continue inside, with white timber wide moulded architraves, tall skirting boards, high ceilings and back-to-back cast iron open fireplaces with hardwood surrounds and mantels in the adjoining formal lounge and dining rooms.
Exposed sandstone walls in various sections of the house provide a rustic, textural connection to the buildings early-19th century origins, while the original hardwood floorboards are a lovely feature in the study.
A mixture of original and heritage style brass pendant lights adds to the air of authenticity throughout, as does the stone outhouse at the rear of the property, which was originally used as the homes kitchen but has been converted into a fantastic teenagers retreat.
The home itself has three bedrooms, with the good-sized main downstairs and two charming attic rooms, complete with a two-way ensuite, located upstairs. Dormer windows overlooking John Street give the rooms a touch of storybook romance, while built-in timber wardrobes offer practical storage solutions.
The heart of the home is located around a picturesque fully screened and enclosed central courtyard, with convenient access from the kitchen and casual living area. New flagstones were laid to create a perfect alfresco area ideal for entertaining and enhance the indoor outdoor flow from the adjoining rooms. Within the courtyard, a flourishing century-old grapevine winding itself around the rafters provides a fragrant and attractive ceiling that softly filters the natural light.
The kitchen is a large and practical area, with extensive bench space on either side complemented by ample cupboards and open shelving. A four-door timber pantry adds to the built-in storage, while bamboo floorboards add warmth and texture to the room.
The floorboards also create a seamless connection with the adjoining living area, which offers a light-filled casual space for relaxing with family or friends. Exposed timber beams and timber French doors are a lovely addition to this space, while a timber and glass door to the rear of the room provides direct access to another private courtyard, which overlooks the extensive back yard.
The outdoor space is a wonderland of life and colour, with extensively landscaped gardens creating a private and tranquil oasis in the middle of suburbia.
The home is located on an enviable 1265sqm block dotted with lovely established trees, including white cedars, flowering jacarandas, fragrant wisteria and a towering listed oak tree towards the rear of the property that provides a lovely shady spot to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Flushes of vibrant bougainvillea vines provide a brilliant splash of colour along the fence lines, while sprawling bush-rock bordered garden beds offer plenty of nooks and crannies for garden lovers and children to explore.
Located opposite a large reserve and new childrens playground, and a short walk from cafes, boutiques, historic pubs and tourist attractions including the Maitland Gaol, the property is ideally located to enjoy the best of the cosmopolitan lifestyle on offer in East Maitland.
Quality schools and childcare centres are also located within walking distance, making the home ideal for families, while a host of sporting facilities including the East Maitland Aquatic Centre are also nearby.
With public transport options on your doorstep and easy access to the New England Highway providing connectivity to the regions major transport links, the property is perfectly situated for those who need to commute, while the quiet close knit community and wide tree-lined streets of this part of East Maitland ensure a tranquil retreat awaits you at home.
SMS 26-28John to 0428 166 755 for a link to the on-line property brochure.
