A Touch of Magic at this Beautiful Period Cottage

Sometimes in life, beauty can be found in the most obscure places. In the case of 35 North Street, Windsor, well, everything about this beautifully restored leafy cottage is enticing… and enchanting. Located in the heart of Windsor, NSW—an original Australian settlement town—this three-level weatherboard and split-slab cottage and barn is, more or less, straight out of a fairytale movie.

Built in the 1860s and carefully restored, this period home is the epitome of charm and character with subtle nuances that not only hark back to its rich history, but will present as an attractive oasis for the modern day home owner.

Once owned by Australian artist, Greg Hansell, you can see its ties to creativity – a space where, as the current owner did, one can immerse themselves in the bubble of creativity afforded by the “peace of house, barn and garden.” Surrounded by colonial-era buildings including one that should present familiar if you were a fan of A Country Practice series, you’ll feel a world away from the hustle and bustle of Sydney’s CBD. Yet, you’re only 55 minutes away.

The home is set on a large 638 sqm block, and features scalloped timber fretwork and handmade timber shutters throughout, original hardwood floors, including tongue-and-groove boards, as well as hand-crafted interior and exterior detailings. Head up the dainty wooden stairs to discover a sun-filled loft-style living room and library with vaulted timber ceiling – an ideal setting to “indulge in creative pursuits” or simply relax and unwind as you look out to views over the luscious north-facing cottage garden and barn. The cottage features two light-filled bedrooms and one bathroom, with potential to expand or further renovate.

“It’s most beautiful in the autumn and winter seasons,” says its current owner. “I think there’s something very magical about this property. And really, it’s about not being too big but not being too small, so it’s perfect for entertaining and hosting guests all-year round.”

The rustic kitchen, with its handmade bricks, hardwood beams and working fireplace that heats the whole home, is a beautiful communal space to entertain family and guests alike. This is a great opportunity for a family home or as a second residence for a true escape to the country.

The property will be auctioned on April 13 and has a price guide of $1.6million.

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Address: 35 North Street, Windsor NSW

Price guide: Contact agent

Auction: April 13, 2024

Agent: Kon Stathopoulos, 0400 124 518 & Alastair Kivell, 0411 207 468, at McGrath Hawkesbury

A Byron Bay hinterland trophy home that once starred on Love Island Australia has resurfaced for sale after making a brief appearance on the market last year.

Amileka in Federal, 24kms from the famous shores of Byron Bay, was listed for a short time in July with a guide of more than $8m, but is now asking $7m to $7.7m with Sotheby’s agent Will Phillips via an expressions of interest campaign, closing on March 12, at 5pm.

The contemporary homestead on 10ha last sold for $9.5 million during the regional post-pandemic boom in 2022. Since then, the iconic house has been earning its owners thousands of dollars a night as a glamorous short term rental.

Built in 2008, Amileka took home the Australian Institute of Architects (NSW country division) Architecture Award in the same year. The minimalist design on secluded Blackbean Lane was crafted by architect owner Sharon Fraser and her husband, Steve Esson.

Tom Lane, of the Oroton fashion family empire and his stylist wife Emma, then bought Amileka for $4 million in 2011. They sold up in 2015 for $3.5 million to the Johnson family, who offered up the compound to feature as the Love Island home for the Channel 9 dating show’s third season in 2017.

Later, in 2022, the remote residence was snapped up by Mikaela Lancaster, Spotify Australia managing director, and her husband Mark Britt, founder of video-streaming platform Iflix. Lancaster and Britt are now seeking Amileka’s next custodians.

The main home has a large sunken lounge room and a spacious dining zone seamlessly connected to the gourmet kitchen and multiple outdoor terraces. In the designer gas kitchen there are stone surfaces including a big island bench, and a discreet but large butler’s pantry.

Created for grand scale outdoor entertaining, Amileka’s alfresco options include a central courtyard, level lawns with rolling district views punctuated by ancient Black Bean, fig and pandanus trees, plus an 18m by 5m pool and a fire pit.

Internally, the house features a stately formal entry, honed concrete floors with solar hydronic heating, bespoke cabinetry, walls of windows to capture the leafy outlook, a dedicated media room, and five bedrooms.

Off the primary suite there is a large walk-in wardrobe, an ensuite with bidet and a private hot tub, plus the house has two more family-friendly bathrooms.

Additionally, the estate also has a three-bedroom caretaker’s cottage with its own swimming pool.

Famous for its legendary lush vistas, untouched rainforest and waterfalls, the Byron Hinterland is also known for picturesque sleepy villages such as Bangalow and eclectic fine dining options.

Federal is home to a small general store, the popular Doma Cafe, and is approximately a 25-minute drive from Byron Bay, 35 minutes to Ballina Airport and 50 minutes to Coolangatta International Airport.

Amileka in the Byron Bay hinterland is for sale with Sotheby’s International Realty via an expressions of interest campaign, closing on March 12, 5pm.

A Touch of Magic at this Beautiful Period Cottage

Just 55 minutes from Sydney, make this your creative getaway located in the majestic Hawkesbury region.

Award-winning Byron hinterland estate Amileka returns to market, blending architectural pedigree, celebrity history and lucrative luxury retreat appeal.