Willow Grange c1892
This outstanding example of 19th century Australian architecture oozes real estate history and has commanded its position on the edge of Moss Vale since 1892. Originally built as a summer retreat for real estate pioneer Richard Pembroke Richardson and designed by early Australian architect Harry Chambers Kent 'Willow Grange' is a significant example of an early Southern Highlands weatherboard dwelling which has retained almost all of its magnificent original materials, fixtures and hardware whilst evolving to accommodate the growing needs over the decades of its different
owners including new kitchen and bathrooms, Brivis gas central heating throughout, gas-boosted solar hot water and split-system air-conditioning systems. Also on title is the 1898 built brick cottage as a possible income-producing option.
Set well back from the road with picturesque gables and wide verandahs, Willow Grange is typical of its era with a marvellous maze of characterful sitting rooms, bedrooms, kitchen, dining and servants' rooms each punctuated with beautifully maintained marble fireplaces, tent ceilings, magnificent high skirting boards, broad kauri floorboards, pressed-metal ceilings and roses, weatherboard and ripple-iron lined walls, coloured glass windows, numerous original doors and vintage hardware, plus surprising nooks and crannies.
Currently arranged as three bedrooms and two bathrooms with ensuite and dressing room to the main bedroom, two different sitting areas and broad connecting hallways, the layout could be reconfigured to accommodate differing family needs including studies and storage.
The original brick kitchen hearth and Rayburn stove have been retained however the 21st century occupant will welcome the recent addition of a new kitchen wing with Caesarstone benchtops, wide Siemens gas cooktop and oven plus a combination steam oven, warming oven, range hood, dishwasher, loads of storage and room for a substantial country-kitchen table.
A picturesque service courtyard spills out from the kitchen and meanders through to a pretty fenced and paved herb garden with white picket fence which, in turn, leads through to a detached studio, and a romantic garden of Spring bulbs, camelias and other plants clustered around a magnificent
oak, its shade providing an outdoor room for summer lunches.
Entry to the property is by a gravel driveway lined with soaring pine trees and bordered with viburnum hedges and established shrubs. The orchard boasts aged and prolific figs, persimmons, apples, cumquats, plums and medlar and, the extensive tank-fed irrigation system to maintain the garden, is a new addition.
A brick cottage, originally built as a Billiards room in 1898 but now a cosy character-filled one bedroom dwelling with front, north facing verandah and pretty garden-path approach has also been brought into the 21st century with bathroom and kitchen. Willow Grange is a delight and although the walls in each character-filled space might not be able to reveal the past conversations and contrivances carried on within them the nostalgia and romance of those long-ago years can be imagined.
- Currently three bedrooms plus office, two bathrooms, three toilets
- Gas Brivis central heating, two air conditioning split systems
- Gas-boosted solar hot water plus gas instantaneous hot water
- One open fireplace, one slow combustion stove in entry foyer
- Gas log fire in sitting room
- Original laundry featuring copper boiler
- Wooden-door double garage
- Dressing rooms, study nooks, 'China' room, bay window, air locks
- Sandstone steps, picket fences, garden arbours and bulb-walks
- Broad north-facing verandah
- Multiple original outdoor storage rooms including garden store with tub
- Large workshop in the old stables
- Three-bay cart shed
- Sunny artist's studio with adjoining storage and clean-up tub
- Numerous mature plantings, fruit trees and established vege patch
- Entrance avenue and sunken, circular ornamental garden
- Room for chickens, vegetable gardens, pool and tennis court
Proudly offered for sale by conjunction arrangement through Dan Garnett and Michael Cawthorn of DiJones Real Estate Bowral and John Jeffcoat of First National Real Estate Moss Vale
