THIS magnificent mid-1800s dwelling has carved its place in Tasmanian history.
Lauded as the most historically significant building in Sorell, it is one of only a handful of Italian-Georgian buildings in Hobart.
Heritage listed and located within a quiet street of Sorell, the property is minutes’ drive from the Hobart Airport or 20 minutes to Hobart’s CBD. Richmond and the Coal Valley’s wine region is on its doorstep.
Opportunity abounds here in this grand residence while glimpses of the home’s rich, colonial history are found around every corner.
It has high ceilings and polished timber floors, with a combination of Tasmanian oak, cedar, Huon pine and blackwood held together by handmade convict nails. There are ornate mantles, decorative cornices and functioning fireplaces throughout.
On entry, a guest reception with magnificent woodwork provides passage to the dining room, once serving as the Blue Bell Inn’s original bar.
The sub-floor cellar, spanning the length of the room below, has its own private entrance from the street.
There are three generous bedrooms on the lower level, each with an ensuite or private bathroom, and one featuring a spa. The first floor, via the central staircase, features three bedrooms, each with an ensuite.
A majestic ballroom provides opulent living space for guests.
Ascending another staircase, the expansive attic offers an abundance of space to develop into additional rooms, or to use for storage. Returning to the ground floor, the garage has been stylishly repurposed into self-contained accommodation with a luxurious bathroom featuring a French bath and an open shower, a large bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe, an office and a loungeroom.
There is a new commercial kitchen equipped with a five-burner gas stovetop, industrial oven, dishwasher, plus a stainless-steel island bench with an in-built fridge.
The grounds of the historic estate have been extensively landscaped.
Fruit trees dotted throughout complement blooming florals.
Modern upgrades for contemporary living have been carried out without disturbing the property’s old-world charm and character, including rewiring for three-phase power requirements, wool carpet and plumbing.
For more than 150 years, this impressive residence has housed magistrates, WW1 soldiers, seen convicts granted their freedom, acted as a maternity ward and hospital and a bed and breakfast.
No.26 Somerville Street, Sorell is listed with Charlotte Peterswald for Property and priced at $1.1 million-plus.
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