Prestige Property: Quamby Estate, Hagley, TAS

Quamby Estate has adopted diverse and distinguished roles in the rural, cultural and political life of Tasmania.

The historic manse – which dates back to 1828 – remains as one of Australia’s most desirable family homes.

The 10-bedroom, 10-bathroom, 5-car parking pile is surrounded by some 64-hectares of prime farming land, ideal for those who prize privacy, and are searching for a comprehensive escape from city life.

The picturesque homestead – built in an Anglo-colonial style – is a heady mix of art and architectural wonder with an elegant flagstone paved verandah wrapping around the residence to the north and east – bringing beautiful light to the home.

With a distant view of Ben Lomond plateau the house enjoys double-hipped roods and attics and is structured around a transverse hall. Aside from the ballroom, which was added later, the principal rooms open directly onto the verandah through eight-pane French doors in pairs with transom lights.

Upon entry one is led into the hall which sees two evocative reception rooms – each embodying the home’s classic character with French doors and fireplaces and a library wedged between.

Elsewhere, the dining room’s soaring ceiling, floorboards and generous proportions are ideal for entertaining with an adjoining bar and fireplace adding a layer of intimacy to the residence.

The kitchen – which is built to a commercial quality – ensures Quamby has indeed, moved with the times.

The expansive residence is privy to 10 bedrooms, each accompanied by a sophisticated ensuite.

However, the estate is not limited to the historic homestead, with Quamby including its own manicured nine-hole golf course (yes it has its own golf course), complete with its own clubhouse delivered in a converted stables building.

Further Quamby’s light-filled function room, Georgian era coach house and extensive farm outbuildings play to the estate’s adaptability, with many hosting weddings on the grounds.

Built for Sir Richard Dry, who became the first Australian born state premier, the home sits just 10 minutes from the township of Hagley, and only 30 minutes from Launceston.

The listing is with Knight Frank Tasmania’s Sam Woolcock (+61 400 813 033). Price guide, $8-$10 million; knighfranktasmania.com.au

A grand old dame who has stood the test of time, Marika is a slice of Hunters Hill heritage transformed for modern-day living.

Meticulously renovated between 1981 and 1983, with several updates since, Marika made it onto the heritage register in 1999 just in time to signal a new millennium. Today, the modernised mansion is on the market with an auction price guide of $7.5 million, marketed through BresicWhitney’s Nicholas McEvoy.

“The home is a fantastic opportunity for a discerning buyer to get a grand family estate-style property, with a pool, tennis court and grounds, for a price that’s much more affordable than expected,” McEvoy says.

Sitting pretty on the corner of Augustine St and Ryde Rd, the stately Federation residence occupies a sprawling 2472sq m block, which was once part of a 30-acre land grant handed to Frederick Augustus Hayne in 1835. In 1902, he sold it to Dr Leopold Augustus Carter, a local dentist. Two years later, Marika, then known as “Ryde”, appeared in the famed Sands Directory – the social media of its era – a symbol of its architectural significance.

Surrounded by manicured gardens with sculpted hedges, a pool and full tennis court, Marika is a prime example of Federation style with contemporary elements.

Inside, the single-level five-bedroom home showcases intricate craftsmanship, from its decorative gables, period archways and bay windows to the coloured glass panels on multiple doors and windows. Elegant formal rooms have high ornate ceilings that are a preserved nod to Marika’s past, while the more modern spaces are relaxed family-friendly zones.

Thanks to a pavilion-style addition, the L-shaped layout measures 450sq m internally and wraps around a central courtyard that plays host to the alfresco dining terrace and pool, while a wide veranda frames the original front rooms of the house.

Primary living spaces, including the dining area with integrated bar, open to the great outdoors via stacker doors and the 21st century kitchen has a large island bench and a butler’s pantry with hidden access to the triple lock up garage. There is also a dedicated media room, a library or home office, plus a separate family room with a beautiful bay window.

All bedrooms feature built-ins while the main retreat, and a second bedroom, have shower ensuites. The shared bathroom houses convenient twin vanities and a freestanding bathtub.

Beyond the interiors, Marika delivers resort amenities with a full-sized, floodlit tennis court, the pool, barbecue terrace and a self-contained studio apartment with the added bonus of Harbour Bridge glimpses.

Added extras include a converted loft storage space, a large laundry with side yard access, ducted air conditioning, multiple fireplaces, solar panels with a battery backup and modern insulation.

Accessed via Augustine St, Marika is close to St Joseph’s College, Boronia Park shops, local ovals and city transport.

Marika at 59 Augustine St, Hunters Hill is set to go under the hammer on April 26, on site at 9am with a price guide of $7.5 million. The listing is with Nicholas McEvoy and Narelle Scott of BresicWhitney Hunters Hill.

Prestige Property: Quamby Estate, Hagley, TAS

One of Australia’s most historic homes hits the market.

A heritage-listed Federation estate with tennis court, pool and studio, Marika offers timeless elegance and modern family living in the heart of Hunters Hill.