Tightly held by the one family for three generations, this outstanding farm and beautifully renovated country homestead is being offered for sale for the first time since 1923.
Located in the tranquil surrounds of Glen Oak, just 45 minutes from Newcastle, the 130 acre (52.56ha) property has a rich history as a working farm known as Oaklands, which was first registered in 1923 as a dairy farm running Jersey and Holstein Friesian cattle.
In more recent times it has been converted to a beef cattle property following the deregulation of the dairy industry, and currently runs 30 head of livestock as well as a bull.
With fertile soil and access to the town water supply from the Chichester trunk line, as well as a spring-fed creek, which has an unlimited 25 acre irrigation licence, the property is virtually drought-proof and has been successfully used for pasture production including lucerne, rye grass and clover.
Divided into 16 safe, gently undulating paddocks with mature shade trees, the versatile property could be used by farmers for a variety of agricultural purposes, or put to good use by horse owners.
There is an extensive range of farming infrastructure in operation on site, including a bull paddock with electric fencing that runs off mains power, new timber cattle yards with a capacity of 100 head and able to be operated by one person, a Cyclone Classic Plus vet crush and a large three-bay machinery/hay storage shed.
The former dairy has been converted into a workshop complete with three phase power, however the vat room still contains the original stainless steel milk vat with motor.
The propertys existing homestead, known as Florenceville, was built in around 1946 using a hardwood frame, with weatherboard cladding and a tile roof.
During the past three years the owners have lovingly renovated the home to bring it back to its former glory, with an outcome that successfully blends its original character with modern luxury.
Carpet and linoleum flooring was ripped up throughout the house to expose the gorgeous red mahogany hardwood floorboards underneath, which were sanded and polished to give a rich, textured, glow to the living areas, kitchen and enclosed verandah that runs along three sides of the house.
Plush new carpet in a lovely light latte tone gives an added layer of warmth and comfort to the homes three bedrooms, while caramel and brown floor tiles inject a depth of colour to the bathroom and laundry.
Stunning art deco features including detailed cornices and ceiling roses and period features such as picture rails and dado rails have been beautifully highlighted with a fresh coat of paint in soft, neutral tones, while vintage pendant lights throughout add to the overall heritage style.
The generously-sized eat-in kitchen has been completed renovated to create a classic and contemporary space. White 2 pack polyurethane profiled shaker-style cabinetry and 40mm stone return benchtops give it a touch of Hamptons luxury with a country feel, while stainless steel appliances, including a 900mm freestanding electric oven and cooktop perfect for a farmhouse kitchen, offer modern conveniences.
The kitchen flows easily through to the warm and welcoming lounge room, which has an elegant ambience enhanced by the vintage-style chandelier and 10ft high ceilings. French doors open out to the enclosed verandah spanning three sides of the house, which is perfect for relaxing with family or entertaining friends while enjoying the peaceful trickling sounds of the feature water fountain in the front yard.
An additional entertaining area has been created outside with an expansive open air alfresco space bordered on both sides by lush established gardens, which when in bloom bask the area in the sweet fragrance of lavender and roses.
Featuring a concrete base and timber frame, the pergola provides the perfect space for family barbecues, or to sit back and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding rural landscape.
A large mesh and Colorbond aviary nearby, complete with an ornate birdhouse, is perfect for bird enthusiasts while a semi-covered greenhouse provides a dedicated space for plant lovers to indulge their green thumbs.
Extensive gardens planted around the house have been beautifully maintained to create a lovely natural wonderland of both native and more exotic plants, which include everything from robust photinia hedges to delicately flowering crepe myrtle, as well as masses of flowering ground covers and shrubs.
The greenery helps soften the area surrounding the various built structures in the house yard, including the double Colorbond carport at the end of the gravel drive.
Cherished for generations by the Mate and Bush families, the property is a rare find, with such a long list of features in such a fantastic position making it perfect for those seeking a traditional country lifestyle within easy reach of the amenities of urban areas.
SMS 2144Clar to 0428 166 755 for a link to the on-line property brochure.
