Oldest House Sale For Ages
Sun Herald
Sunday March 11, 2007
IT'S almost 170 years old but Somerset House is prime residential real estate.
As the oldest building in the village of Old Bowenfels, on the western side of the Great Western Highway at Lithgow, the house was classified by the National Trust as a property of significance in 1976.It was built in three stages: the original sandstone section of the two-storey home in 1838, a Victorian brick second floor and lounge were added in 1870 and the final additions - a wooden veranda and kitchen - in the past 30 years.Somerset House is the second-oldest dwelling in the area, behind Hartley Vale's Collits' Inn.Old Bowenfels is the original village gazetted and partially established before Lithgow was developed.The NSW Heritage Office lists Somerset House's previous uses as a post office, private school and antiquarian bookshop. The property, on the market with L.J. Hooker Lithgow agent Graham Dean, is for sale by private treaty for $850,000.Mr Dean said the five-bedroom house had two studies, a bathroom, separate dining room, a large lounge, library and laundry and was on 1.3 hectares. "The fact that it's been a private residence for so long means that not many people know too much about it," Mr Dean said."From a heritage perspective it's very important to the community. It would only suit someone who appreciates the age and style of the property. It's heritage-listed and not everybody has a tolerance for that sort of thing because they can feel it's quite onerous to be involved with that." The vendors, who have owned the Great Western Highway property for about 20 years, have spent much of their time modifying, refurbishing and restoring the house and grounds, including major works to the expansive gardens.There is now a low-maintenance garden and plenty of self-sufficient plants with fruit trees and exotics such as figs, hazelnuts and walnuts."In the dining room they've chipped the paint off the walls and had the exposed sandstone redone so it looks absolutely stunning," Mr Dean said. "The full character of the room comes right out."The owners have lovingly restored it. They've done a really good job. It's their passion."The property is connected to town water and power, as well as wireless broadband internet and satellite TV.Subject to council approval, the land can be subdivided. Old Bowenfels is about 15 minutes' drive west of Mount Victoria and about two-and-a-half hours' drive from the Sydney CBD.
© 2007 Sun Herald
