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