No.227 New Town Rd, New Town. Picture: Supplied
MODERN comfort meets colonial elegance in this private, enchanting New Town home.
This historically important and impeccably maintained homestead has been nurtured and developed by a handful of custodians since it was built in 1834 by a wealthy merchant of English origin, William Rout.
The adjacent sandstone towers, then known as Rout’s Folly, were added around 1856 but were subsequently, and legally, separated in 1915 by the new owners, Zinc Corp.
This provided a home for their chief pattern maker.
Since that time, No.227 New Town Rd has been owned by only three local families.
No.227 New Town Rd, New Town.
No.227 New Town Rd, New Town.
No.227 New Town Rd, New Town.
Harcourts Hobart property representative Mark Weaver said the property had been tastefully and thoughtfully updated, culminating in the wonderful property it is today.
The front boundary to this property is secured by a striking handmade brick wall, punctuated by an original penitentiary door.
Mr Weaver described it as “astounding”.
“I reckon nearly every person in Hobart has looked at that tall wall and old door and wondered, ‘what’s behind it?’ People have different theories about what it might be,” he said.
“We will have an open house this weekend, so people can come and see for themselves.”
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When inspecting the home first-hand, Mr Weaver said he expects potential buyers to be impressed by the “intoxicating combination” of history dating back to the 1800s, a significant, important dwelling, the privacy that is on offer and the enviable location.
“The way the owners have carefully adapted the kitchen and bathrooms for modern living is a credit to them, and will benefit the next owners,” he said.
“It is a home where there really is nothing to do but move in and enjoy.”
No.227 New Town Rd, New Town.
No.227 New Town Rd, New Town.
While being just 10 minutes from the CBD, Mr Weaver said the property actually feels like it is in the country.
“You could be in Longford or down the Huon, it feels like a quiet country homestead, but you are in the city,” he said.
No.227 New Town Rd has a shared right-of-way driveway off Tower Rd, providing vehicular access to the property through automated garage doors, set within another full brick wall boundary.
The property introduced itself via an expansive cottage garden, including various fruit trees, meandering pathways, flowering trees and shrubs, a potting house and a lean-to garden shed.
Sandstone pavers border the home and continue around the grounds, flowing into the picture-perfect country courtyard situated at the rear of the property.
The four-bedroom colonial-style weatherboard dwelling is enhanced by a striking porch and associated gallery.
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No.227 New Town Rd, New Town.
No.227 New Town Rd, New Town.
Mr Weaver said the lofty, fluted columns are rumoured to have been designed by famous architect James Blackburn.
“They provide a commanding aesthetic to the building exterior, while also creating a large open porch area for sheltered entertaining,” he said.
Entry into the house is via a sheltered veranda, constructed with treillage columns and balustrades, to create a stunning facade.
Robust black timber window shutters are a reminder of Hobart’s rugged early history, designed to negate any “purported bushranger activity in the region”.
On entry there is a wide hallway featuring Oregon floorboards, soaring ceilings, and an expansive arched entry into the formal sitting room. This room incorporates ornate gold cornicing, chandelier lighting, and a decorative open fireplace, with French doors providing access to the undercover porch.
No.227 New Town Rd, New Town.
No.227 New Town Rd, New Town.
No.227 New Town Rd, New Town.
Directly opposite is the main living room, complete with sash windows and an enclosed freestanding wood heater to compliment the many modern panel heaters throughout the home, all economically run by a new 8.8kW solar power system.
The generous dining room includes an electric fireplace. It is located conveniently adjacent to the kitchen for ease of catering and social interaction.
Bathed in sunlight, the country kitchen is atrium-like. Marble benchtops, a ceramic sink, and brass tapware highlight a reticulated island bench, while classic soft-close cabinetry and quality European appliances abound.
The two ground floor bedrooms are spacious, with quality Sisal carpets. The master bedroom has a walk-in wardrobe and a modern ensuite/French laundry.
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No.227 New Town Rd, New Town.
No.227 New Town Rd, New Town.
Bisecting the main bedroom and kitchen is the main bathroom, generously proportioned and incorporating shower, toilet and marble vanity.
An open string Oregon staircase, illuminated by skylights, leads upward to two capacious attic bedrooms, with so much space for play, a home office, music, and art.
An adjoining sewing room could also be used as a studio or home office.
A delightful homage to the property’s original owner occupies the under-staircase aperture, an ever-present aide-mémoire of this home’s amazing history.
No.227 New Town Rd, New Town is listed for sale with Harcourts Hobart. It is priced at “Offers over $1.78m”. It will be open to inspect on Saturday from 12pm-12.45pm.
English (US) · 