Property of the week: 16 Garema Road, Gwandalan
This much-loved family estate is being offered for the first time in more than 20 years
2 min
A retreat in every sense of the word, Lakeside Lodge has been a prominent property clan’s dream getaway since 2003. Surrounded by towering trees and framed by peaceful farmland beside Lake Macquarie, the Rose family have spent more than two decades visiting the estate, which also features a freestanding chapel, guest cottage, boathouse and private dock.
Stuart Rose of the Rose Group, a brotherly duo of property developers behind a string of successful real estate projects including the transformation of the former AGL gasworks site on the Parramatta River into Breakfast Point, bought the Gwandalan estate for $5 million according to title records.
“The property has been in our family for over 20 years and used as a retreat and place for us to gather together with our friends,” Stuart says.
“It‘s been a difficult decision for us to let go, but as our lifestyles evolve and our children grow up, we’ve decided its time for another family to enjoy it the way we have.”
Stuart and his brother Bryan are selling the 8ha estate after the February passing of their father and Financial Review Rich Lister, Bob Rose AM, who was chair of The Urban Taskforce from 2003 to 2009.
Listed with Mat Steinwede and Trevor Hamilton of McGrath Terrigal, the residence at 16 Garema Rd has a price guide of $20 million and is being sold through an ‘expressions of interest’ campaign closing at midday on November 27.
Positioned with a prime due north aspect overlooking the tranquil lake, the eight-bedroom lodge-style residence is a blend of coastal chic and farmhouse charm. While the lake is the main event, the spacious house wraps around a grand central courtyard complete with landscaping and a pizza oven, as well as a direct line of sight straight out to the water so the enviable view won’t be missed.
Each room opens to the shore, courtyard or paddocks with a choice of several living spaces, ideal for a multi-family holiday. There is a main lounge room, a second living space, a media room plus a large piano lounge area opening to its own covered terrace.
Most bedrooms have an ensuite or neighbouring bathroom while the vast main suite has a walk-in wardrobe, a dressing room, an adjoining study, bath ensuite and sweeping lake views. Additionally, another office space is next to the primary bedroom with an inspiring water outlook.
The expansive property features a charming chapel with kitchenette amongst the trees, making the rambling estate the ideal spot for a wedding venue, potentially offering an extra source of income. In the separate cottage, or independent games room, there is a bathroom and kitchen and the ground also feature a tennis court, a pool, fire pit, two large dams, fenced paddocks, a warehouse, a chicken coop, a private jetty and a boatshed with dry dock. Added elements include solar panels, security alarms, surveillance cameras and a private gated entrance.
Designed to entertain on a grand scale, the holiday home has garage parking for up to 10 cars with space for many more. Sitting on the shores of Lake Macquarie, Lakeside Lodge is approximately 130kms from Sydney’s CBD.
Lakeside Lodge is listed with McGrath Terrigal through an expressions of interest campaign closing on November 27 at midday.
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This secluded Berrima estate with sweeping country views offers a rare mix of privacy, craftsmanship and Southern Highlands calm.
2 min
Known for its historic jail, bucolic rolling hills, beautifully preserved Georgian-era architecture and nearby wine country, Berrima is a drawcard for buyers seeking a stylish tree change with all the bells and whistles.
Whether it’s a grand agricultural estate or a charming period cottage, Berrima in the NSW Southern Highlands is home to a thriving property market buoyed by city slickers coveting a slower – and greener – lifestyle.
So popular as a weekend getaway location, the region has been coined “The Hamptons” of Sydney.
Hillside, on a grand 2462sq m land parcel in the heritage heart of Berrima, dates back to the 1840s. Sitting only minutes from the centre of town, the period property is surrounded by local history.
The Wilkinson St residence is opposite the landmark Harper’s Mansion estate, a National Trust heritage property and popular tourist attraction that is home to one of the largest hedge mazes in Australia.
Couple its prime position in Berrima with its Georgian charm – and a separate cottage on site – Hillside is filled with opportunity, said selling agent James Hall of Savills.
“It’s got the whole village on its doorstep, which makes it so appealing. And the bonus is that as a short-term rental, it’s always in demand because you’ve got the very popular Bendooley Estate wedding venue just down the road,” Hall said.
“Berrima has really come into its own because it’s retained its old school charm and hasn’t become commercialised while still appealing to visitors.”
The property is within close walking distance of Berrima’s quaint boutiques, cafés, and noted restaurants such as Eschalot, as well as Australia’s oldest continuously licensed pub with a beer garden, the Surveyor General Inn.
Last sold in 2015 for $1.45 million, Hillside is now coming to market with a price guide “in the high $3 millions” according to Hall.
The traditional home paints a pretty picture with its fairytale facade framed by meticulously landscaped grounds reminiscent of a stately English homestead.
The private setting features tall established trees, heritage stables, a gazebo, a fire pit, and a lockup garage with a workshop. In addition to the two-bedroom main residence, the guest cottage has en-suites to all three bedrooms.
A classic country house that is as rich in character as it is grand in scale, Hillside has rustic exposed brick interior walls, timber floors, and multiple French doors spilling out to the lush landscaped grounds.
“The beautiful wraparound veranda overlooks almost a full-size grass tennis court,” Hall added.
“Then there are the incredibly mature pine trees giving it privacy, even though it’s so close to the village.”
The vast level lawn is also an idyllic spot for a game of croquet, cricket, or a good old-fashioned English tea party.
As well as the selection of casual and formal living and dining areas, there is a cosy library, a wine cellar, and a modern kitchen with sophisticated sage green cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, a Hastings Turner ceramic double sink, a central island bench, and designer pendant lighting.
Added extras include air conditioning, hydronic heating, four original fireplaces, and the original well has been integrated into the entryway as a period feature.
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