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

Tucked away in Byron Bay’s coveted hinterland, Whimsy Farm is a traditional rural homestead surrounded by more than 16ha of lush fertile grounds with equestrian facilities and a host of whimsical additions including a fairytale-inspired maze.

Just listed with Sotheby’s International Realty Byron Bay, agents Denzil Lloyd and Will Phillips are running an expressions of interest campaign on the glamorous getaway with a price guide of $5.25 million to $5.75 million.

The romantic estate in Federal, 25 kms from Byron Bay dates back more than a century, but has been meticulously renovated by its current owners to attain modern day dream home status.

Back in 2016, the enviable property even featured on Foxtel’s short-lived reality TV show I Own Australia’s Best Home. The picturesque parcel has also been appreciated by location scouts and has appeared in a long list of fashion brand and magazine shoots such as Country Style and Queensland Homes.

Owner Melinda Boundy, founder of boutique interiors firm Melinda Boundy Design, was instrumental in reviving the historic Federal homestead. She has described the rural property as a “a respite from the world” where she and her husband have raised their two sons over the past decade.

“I brought my boys down 10 years ago to nurture their creativity, their boyhood,” Boundy said in a recent Instagram post announcing the impending sale.

“We found our farm with its double-storey treehouse and 40 acres the perfect place for two young boys to thrive.”

In addition to hiring out the estate for formal events, Boundy said the family had celebrated several milestones at the address.

“Many parties, sleepovers, friends staying and events have been held [here]. It has seen the filming of a TV show or two, music videos, location shoots and weddings,” she added.

“Now it’s time to pass the baton to another family to share the magic and wonderment of this beautiful compound.”

Lloyd agreed that the listing is a magical estate, ripe for the picking.

“It’s a wonderland. There’s the maze, but it’s also got the treehouse, teepee, dams, beautiful established veggie gardens and it’s perfect for those who love horse riding,” Mr Lloyd said.

“It really is an oasis with plenty of classical charm as well. It’s not an ostentatious home; it’s an original Queenslander from 1910.”

Living up to its storybook name, Whimsy Farm is home to a preserved traditional Queenslander residence with five bedrooms, plus a freestanding guest cottage. There is also a separate pool house and a combined shed or office on site, all capturing scenic hinterland views.

The main single-storey residence has a choice of entertaining spaces inside and out as well as bedrooms opening to private alfresco areas. A grand kitchen and the large living room both open to a vast terrace and pool area.

In the primary bedrooms suite there is a bay window overlooking the natural surrounds, an ensuite with double vanities, and out on the covered deck an outdoor bathtub is an idyllic spot for soaking under the stars.

The playful property has also operated as a holiday rental and offers up unique bonus features including a solar-heated semi circle pool, a double-storey treehouse, a teepee, horse stables, paddocks and a an Olympic-sized dressage arena.

A true tree change destination, the Federal address is home to 10 acres of regenerated forest, eight water tanks, two lagoons, extensive raised veggie gardens and a citrus orchard.

It is conveniently located a scenic 30-minute drive to Byron Bay and 20 minutes to Bangalow.

Whimsy Farm at 711 Federal Dr, Federal is listed through Sotheby’s International Realty Byron Bay through an expressions of interest campaign closing February 20, 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.

Whimsy Farm is a playful period estate positioned in Byron Bay’s picturesque hinterland.