The vendor of two modernist homes immersed in the landscape of Tasmania's dramatic southeast corner says he wanted to feel wholly connected to nature.
It may have been destiny that brought Jonathan Kneebone to the dramatic Tasman Peninsular a few years ago, but property seekers are now deliberately booking flights to see the special place he created.
67 and 75 Grooms Hill Road, Koonya. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
Originally from the UK, Mr Kneebone once spent a memorable Christmas in the striking southeast corner of Tasmania, which made a distinct impression on him.
“I found myself drawn to its sweeping views, light and landscape — and I had a very strong, almost uncanny, feeling of connection,” he says.
67 and 75 Grooms Hill Road, Koonya. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
“Many years later when looking for some land on which to build, I was instantly attracted to this spot in Koonya. And only on visiting again did I realise I was back at this very same spot I’d enjoyed years before.”
Mr Kneebone bought the around-40-hectare site at 67 and 75 Grooms Hill Road, Koonya in 2017 with a view to immersing himself in nature to write a book.
67 and 75 Grooms Hill Road, Koonya. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
He wanted to create buildings that honoured the landscape, and weren't just homes but inspirational spaces to enjoy the beauty of Tasmania uninterrupted.
“We wanted to blend art and architecture in an entirely original, surprising and humble way,” he says. “Each of the buildings has its own way of connecting you to the view and the environment — and they do transform you in some way.”
67 and 75 Grooms Hill Road, Koonya. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
Designed by acclaimed architects Room11 in Hobart, TRIPTYCH consists of three contemporary buildings across two titles, two of them habitable. All capture the dynamic weather and light over Norfolk Bay and the Tasmanian wilderness.
The Glass House sits atop a hill with transparent walls that blur the line between interior and exterior. Described in the listing as “part modernist homage, part Tasmanian shack", it features an open-plan layout with a bedroom on one side, a central bathroom, and a kitchen, living and dining area on the other.
67 and 75 Grooms Hill Road, Koonya. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
Situated slightly below, The Blunt House is the main residence and featured on Grand Designs Australia. This horizontal structure houses three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a stunning living and dining zone designed with a minimal palette in harmony with its natural surroundings.
67 and 75 Grooms Hill Road, Koonya. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
Lower down the hill, The Folly is a square, roofless installation that invites pause, play or quiet reflection.
Mr Kneebone says while the buildings may appear unconventional and austere, they are "incredibly warm and comforting".
67 and 75 Grooms Hill Road, Koonya. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
"It is somewhat magical to feel so directly connected to the landscape, the weather and the view — and yet so protected and comfortable. The spirit of the place gets under your skin - and stays with you."
Agent Georgie Rayner at The Agency Hobart says the property is available as two separate titles — one with The Glass House, the other with The Blunt House and the Folly — but she says buying them together makes sense as they are designed as a trilogy.
67 and 75 Grooms Hill Road, Koonya. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
“The architecture is just extraordinary because it blends so well with nature and the land. These structures are completely private and create a sensation of floating. It's a very thought-provoking place."
With the vendor not able to enjoy the place as much as we would like, he would like someone else to experience it.
67 and 75 Grooms Hill Road, Koonya. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
Ms Rayner said the level of interest in TRIPTYCH from across Australia and overseas has been "extraordinary".
"I have enquiries coming in throughout the night from different time zones and people booking flights for next week. We've extended the auction campaign so people have the opportunity to visit."
Given the property is just an hour from Hobart Airport, she says it would suit someone "who craves complete and utter escapism".
67 and 75 Grooms Hill Road, Koonya. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
"We have no doubt it's going to attract people who will understand, respect and appreciate everything that has been created here.
"It is its very own destination. Just being there for five minutes, you feel the weight of life come off your shoulders."
67 and 75 Grooms Hill Road, Koonya will go to auction in Sydney on Monday July 14th at 5pm.
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