This delightful brick cottage with its quintessential picket fence and lovely street presence has long been the home of one of Hobart's longest established specialty businesses. But the next chapter is set to be written in its impressive history with the opportunity for renovation by new owners and a new lease of life.
For many decades it has housed the Tasmanian Watch and Clock Company, meaning its walls can really tick' and talk. But originally, the land on which the cottage stands was a part of an estate owned by a major businessman of the 1800s, Charles Swanston. He was granted 157 acres in 1834 and during the next few years sold this land in parcels, including a few doors along the home which is now one of Hobart's finest restaurants, Lebrina'. According to records, a surveyor called Francis Edgar bought the land on which 151 New Town Road is built in 1835 and both Lebrina' and 151 New Town Road were sold in 1885 by its then owner Thomas White, on his death. It was considered a good buy in a rising' suburb and that is exactly the case today.
While a relatively small cottage, it has grand features, such as the beautiful Georgian-influenced architectural features on the facade, an original fireplace in every room, beautiful floorboards etched with life history, cedar-framed doors and the characteristic well proportioned rooms.
Obviously it will require your imagination given it has been operating as a business, so there are currently rooms that are showrooms and beautifully finished, as well as workshop work spaces. The substantial rooms on entering the cottage, with bookend fireplaces will make a lovely formal lounge and sitting room.
But the real opportunity is at the rear of the cottage, which sits on a sizeable flat block, east facing for capturing the morning sunshine. Subject to Council Approval (STCA) there is great scope to develop, while still maintaining the integrity of the cottage.
Currently there is a Baltic pine kitchen and a toilet and basin with slate floors and a lovely skylight to let in sunlight to a nice size casual dining and lounge area.
There is a shared driveway and of course, a great location on Main Road yet tucked away enough to make it a real haven.
