Farm With Spirit Of Families Past

Newcastle Herald

Saturday June 30, 2007

TAHNEE WATSON

THE history and interests of four different families have shaped the style and personality of Trish Campbell's and Bill Hopkins's 32-acre (12.9-hectare) hobby farm just south of Stroud.

From the timber finishes and lead-light windows to the wooden post in the kitchen noting the heights of each family's children, Ms Campbell said the 30-year-old home was full of great memories.

"We've actually met some of the kids of previous owners who have come back to check that the heights were still on the post," she said.

Named Alderley Park due to its Alderley Creek frontage, the mudbrick and timber four-bedroom house was originally built by Kevin Osborne, who was known for his work building the monastery in Stroud, and each owner since has added their own artistic flair.

"Mr Osborne who built it did all the timber work in the house, the next ladies did all the lead-lighting and I'm a quilter, so the house kind of brings out that artistic streak in you," Ms Campbell said.

To the side of the house is a small log cabin that could be used as an artist's retreat or guest accommodation, and there is also an in-ground pool, tennis court and several established fruit and nut trees on the grounds.

The property has three well-fenced stock paddocks, five dams, two stock shelters and two large Colorbond sheds with concrete floors, electricity, lights, lock-up storage areas and roller doors.

It also has a third Colorbond shed used as a double garage.

Located at 310 Thompsons Lane, Alderley Park is on the market for $785,000 through Rachael Urselmann of Webb Brothers Property and Livestock,

Stroud.Spectacular

DESIGNED by Wollombi architect Stuart Gibson, a creative timber homestead in Broke will go to auction next Saturday through Jurd's Real Estate, Cessnock.

The 73-acre (29.5-hectare) property is built on rich alluvial ground and backs into the rugged sandstone escarpment which has caves and defining rock features which are worked into the character of the home.

It has three large bedrooms, the master with a walk-in robe and ensuite with a spa bath, as well as a master bathroom that features an antique bath from Minimbah Homestead, circa 1870.

The central living area of the house incorporates the dining and kitchen and is lined down each side with glass concertina doors.

The commercial kitchen is a stand-out feature with its walk-in pantry and additional cool room, suspended cupboards above the main benchtop, and expansive timber decks off each side, overlooking the small vineyard of cabernet, tempranillo and chardonnay vines.

It is watered by two dams and has a 10-megalitre water allocation from the Hunter River.

At 70 Milbrodale Road, this property is a five-minute drive from Broke Village.

Listing agent Alan Jurd said he expected it to sell for more than $1 million.

The auction will be held on site at 4pm next Saturday.

Victorian homestead sold

A PROMINENT Newcastle hotelier is the new owner of a four-bedroom 1880s Victorian homestead at Tocal Road, Mindaribba.

The 100-acre (40.5-hectare) property, owned by Mr and Mrs Arch Humphery, has a tennis court, jetty on the Paterson River, cattle yards, hay and machinery sheds, with four silos and two watertanks, plus an original well of 27,000-litre capacity.

It sold at auction on June 16 for $2.3 million through Paul Murphy of Murphy Real Estate.

© 2007 Newcastle Herald

Back to News Index | Back to Home