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

Australia’s housing debate is often dominated by affordability and supply, but a new collaboration between Brickworks and acclaimed architecture firm Kennedy Nolan argues the conversation should also focus on the quality and longevity of the homes being built.

The project, titled Our Next Neighbourhood, examines how suburban housing could evolve in response to shrinking block sizes, rising energy costs, increasing density and changing family structures.

Rather than proposing luxury dream homes, the initiative focuses on what its creators describe as achievable suburban housing models that are more flexible, sustainable, and better suited to modern Australian life.

Brickworks commissioned Kennedy Nolan to investigate what suburban housing might look like if “design, long-term liveability and enduring materials were placed at the centre of the conversation”.

The result is two housing concepts, known as the Street Terrace and Canopy Terrace, which explore higher-density living while maintaining access to green space, natural light and privacy.

The designs incorporate adaptable floorplans that can evolve as family needs change, along with passive design principles intended to reduce reliance on mechanical heating and cooling.

Brett Ward, General Manager of Marketing at Brickworks, said the company wanted to broaden the discussion around housing beyond simply increasing supply.

“Much of the housing conversation today is understandably focused on supply and affordability, but there is an equally important discussion to be had about the quality and longevity of the homes we build,” he said.

“We wanted to explore how thoughtful design, combined with durable, resilient materials, could create homes that not only function well today, but continue to support Australian families and communities long into the future.”

Kennedy Nolan said the project was partly inspired by concerns that contemporary housing often struggles to adapt to changing household structures and environmental pressures.

The architects said innovation in suburban housing was “essential” to address changing family groupings, energy use, urban heat island effects and growing disconnection from place.

According to the design team, the concepts draw on lessons from some of Australia’s most influential housing projects while seeking to create neighbourhoods with stronger links to landscape, community and local identity.

Rachel Nolan, founder of Kennedy Nolan, said the practice saw an opportunity to reimagine suburban housing as something “more connected to our climate, our landscape, our communities and our Australian identity”.

The project comes as policymakers, developers and planners continue searching for ways to deliver more housing without sacrificing liveability, neighbourhood character or long-term sustainability.

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.

Brickworks has enlisted acclaimed architecture studio Kennedy Nolan to explore how homes could become more adaptable, energy-efficient and connected to community.