This captivating property graciously combines the charm and elegance that craftsmen convicts utilised to build early homesteads for privileged gentry, with modern era enhancements to make this beautiful Georgian home one of the finest examples of the Hunter Valley’s heritage.
‘Lorn House’ is offered for sale for only the 5th time in its 170 years history.
Extensive use of magnificent cedar joinery combined with a very sympathetic restoration completed in the mid 1990’s, add special warmth to this rambling property on nearly an acre of grounds overlooking its own paddock and the meandering Hunter River.
Inside the privacy of the 6 feet high walled double street frontage, freeform country gardens surround the house and provide a kaleidoscope of flowering serenity.
This dignified convict built home is L shaped with hipped roof and impressive sandstone verandahs, and is oriented towards the Hunter River.
The sale of ‘Lorn House’ provides a rare opportunity to buy a magnificent residence steeped in history and individual beauty with the enticing attraction of a tranquil “country life” with the convenience of living close to the Maitland CBD, all its amenities and the opportunity to enjoy a most comfortable Hunter Valley lifestyle.
Some History about ‘Lorn House’
Among the pioneer settlers of the Maitland district were the four McDougall brothers whose family arrived in New South Wales in 1798 and who had established themselves as farmers at Baulkham Hills near Sydney.
In 1823 each brother received a grant of 900 acres, with Thomas McDougall’s grant being for land on the Hunter River in Maitland that was named “Lorn”.
This was named after McDougall’s home district in Argleshire, though the “e” was omitted from the Scottish spelling of Lorne.
In May 1826, Thomas McDougall died intestate and “Lorn” passed on to his heir at law, his elder brother, John Kerr McDougall.
After a subdivision of the land in 1828, “Lorn” was shared equally between Thomas McDougall’s brothers and his sister Elizabeth. Each received 180 acres with the south western portion, the future site of the village of Lorn, being allotted to Alexander Waugh McDougall who had been born in New South Wales in 1800.
A.W. McDougall married Mary Jan Fitz in 1831 and the couple and their children were to control the development of the Lorn site from an agricultural estate to a residential suburb west of Maitland.
‘Lorn House’ is considered to represent the original house on the Lorn Estate, being built for Alexander Waugh McDougall during the 1830’s.
‘Lorn House’ was inhabited by the McDougalls until 1910, when it was purchased by the Beavis family who subsequently modified the house.
These modifications comprised extensions to the northern leg of the house and incorporated a square, parapet roofed tower to match the original tower and also infilling of the verandah.
In the early 1990’s the property was purchased by the third owners and underwent extensive renovations over a two year period creating an exceptionally comfortable family home, whilst retaining the immense character and charm of the era and preserving one of Maitland’s more historically significant buildings in the process.
General Description
Superb mature gardens surround the magnificent residence situated in grounds of around 4000sqm.
The home consists of ten rooms connected by beautiful blue gum parquetry flooring; four bedrooms (main with ensuite and walk in robe), cedar and granite kitchen with European stainless steel appliances, family room, formal dining and sitting rooms that are exquisite examples of a bygone era, study nook, library, a large main bathroom, under house cellar and in-house laundry.
The homestead is surrounded by sandstone covered verandahs, has an 11 metre solar heated pool, two car garaging with loft style teenager’s retreat/studio, a rotunda for outdoor entertaining and irrigated gardens with ample bore water.
There are five fireplaces in the house, reverse cycle air-conditioning, back-to-base monitored security system and sensor controlled external lighting.
The location is quiet, peaceful and private, yet has the convenience of Lorn Village just one minute away.
The property is currently zoned 2(a) Residential and Rural 1(b) under Maitland City Council, Local Environmental Plan 1993.
Additional Features
- ADSL broadband connection
- Pay TV satellite connection
- Bore pump with ‘in perpetuity’ licence; no ongoing bore water access fees
- Bosch dishwasher, Ilve gas stove and cook-top
- New thermostat for reverse cycle air-conditioning
- New pool pump
- Garden irrigation system
- Private access road
- All wiring/plumbing re-done with restoration in the 90’s
- Double electric garage doors
- Beautiful period lighting
- Cedar blinds and heritage drapery throughout
- Gas heating points
- Purpose built library bookcases
- Custom made wardrobes in two bedrooms
- Various garden figurines, garden furniture
Location
Lorn is considered a highly desirable suburb popular for its village atmosphere, heritage appeal, wide tree lined streets and close proximity to Maitland’s CBD and is favoured by many professional and business people as a place of residence for this reason. It is often referred to as Maitland’s ‘Garden Suburb’.
Maitland CBD and its hospital are 3 minutes drive, major shopping centres, private and public schools are located within 10 minutes, and it’s a genuine 30 minutes to Newcastle and 90 minutes to Wahroonga, Sydney.
It is an easy commute to the fabulous waterways of Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens as well as the gorgeous countryside of the Barrington Tops and the vineyard districts of the Upper and Lower Hunter.
In 2007 Maitland was identified as the fastest growing regional centre in New South Wales and it is expected that its population will exceed 100,000 within 10 years.
‘Lorn House’ stands today, beautifully preserved and in a tranquil rural setting nestled beside the meandering Hunter River in the fertile Hunter Valley.
Comments
‘Lorn House’ is a wonderful home whose architecture and history are true reminders of our past.
This jewel in the Hunter’s crown has had four owners in its history of more than 170 years and now it’s time to find a new custodian for this wonderful gem.
Homes of this nature rarely become available more than once in a lifetime.
Listing Agent: Rhonda Nyquist
0419 341 999
PRDnationwide Hunter Valley
Ph 49342000
