9 John Street

Built in 1893, The Old Convent housed the Sisters of St Joseph nuns until 1979 and bordered what was Dunmore School. Now a charming four-bedroom home on 815sqm, the property combines 1890s details with quality 21st century additions. Beyond the L-shaped covered verandah, two of the four bedrooms – formerly the parlour, refectory, oratory and dormitory – boast original open fireplaces and share two updated bathrooms, one with the original claw-foot bathtub. A stylish kitchen overlooks an open-plan living and dining area flowing to a covered veranda and fully fenced backyard complete with aromatherapy heated spa bath and a separate single garage with studio loft. Very rare and special slice of history on 815sqm, The Old Convent was built in 1893 Property remained a convent until 1979 and was property of the church until 1990s L-shaped front verandah with timber fretwork overlooks leafy gardens with hedges Original cedar front door opens to wide hallway with 11-foot timber paneled ceilings Master bedroom with freestanding robe, once the dormitory housing for 4-6 sisters Bedroom 2, once the refectory, was filled with pews where residing nuns worshipped Bedroom 3, former parlour, was only place open to public, also has an open fireplace Bedroom 4, once nuns' oratory, original cabinetry, freestanding robe, open fireplace Generous main bathroom, newly updated but still has the lovely freestanding bathtub Charming kitchen at end of hallway overlooks light-filled family, living and dining area American oak benchtops, 900mm 5-burner gas cooktop and electric oven, dual sinks There is also a stone-topped island bench, stainless steel dishwasher, walk-in pantry Open-plan area flows seamlessly to covered rear veranda, also front garden access Second bathroom with shower and cedarwood vanity opens from the open-plan area Step from rear veranda to paved covered alfresco space, perfect for meals or drinks Under rear veranda is an original 15,000-litre well, convent's former freshwater source Backyard has Colorbond fence, garden shed and an aromatherapy heated spa bath Studio or loft above single garage is perfect teen retreat, and there is a single carport Electric and solar hot water systems, NBN connection, split system air conditioning 8 minutes to Maitland, 11 minutes to Green Hills shops, or 45 minutes to Newcastle Unique historic home with modern details will suit couples, families and downsizers