'Whispering Pines' (c1898) is a landmark family estate positioned in one of the area's most desirable locations, standing on the escarpment at the point where the Wentworth Falls waterfall plunges 300 metres into the Jamieson Valley and adjoining the Blue Mountains National Park. The name derives from the stately one hundred year old pines and Himalayan Cedars that stand proudly in these extensive gardens of approximately 3.9 acres, complete with lawns, fountains, lawn terrace and productive vegetable gardens.
The residence, originally known as 'Chalet Fontanelle', was built as a Blue Mountains summer house for the Childe family of North Sydney in 1898, and designed in a Swiss alpine chalet style by the English architect Jeaffreson Jackson. This instantly impressive residence features a two street frontage and is embraced by a thoughtfully designed and lovingly maintained garden, filled with many exquisite plantings, meandering pathways, stone walls and unique trees. Complete with a separate pavilion and peaceful sitting areas scattered throughout the grounds.
The timeless interiors are elegantly appointed throughout - featuring high ornate ceilings, an array of stunning timber floorboards and French doors that lead out to the wide verandahs and gardens. There are both formal and casual living areas with fireplaces and an abundance of glass, generous formal dining room with fireplace and French doors leading out to the verandah, creating an enticing entertaining space. The generous country style kitchen has excellent storage and a butler's pantry at the rear.
The beautifully presented double bedrooms offer warm, inviting aesthetics with luxury ensuites and built-in robes. The master suite includes a private sitting room, three fireplaces, corner spa bath and French doors opening to the verandah.
• Currently configured as four double bedrooms with private sitting rooms, but very easily reestablished as six double bedrooms
• Two wood fireplaces and two gas fireplaces plus hydronic heating
• 100,000 litre underground water tank, pure spring bore water and irrigation system
• Stunning timber windows throughout with leadlight features
• Butler's pantry with internal access to lower ground floor laundry, storage and cellar
• Two separate home office spaces plus powder room
• An expansive separate pavilion/carport plus storage sheds with additional onsite parking for four cars
A well-preserved late‑19th / early‑20th century country manor (plaque dated 1898) with strong Federation/Arts & Crafts character — notable for its wrap verandahs, mature gardens with a formal fountain and stone gate, and intact period interiors (pressed metal ceilings, timber joinery and tessellated tiles). This is clearly a one‑off heritage property rather than a project home, valued more for authenticity and craftsmanship than contemporary architectural innovation.
Key Architectural Features
pressed metal ceilingswrap verandah with timber balustradesmature formal gardens and circular fountainstone gate pillars and wrought gatetessellated tile hearth and original fireplacesperiod timber joinery and leadlight windows
