5 Paterson Road

Bolwarra NSW 2320

Built circa 1884 by local jeweller John Hart as part of the original Bolwarra estate, colloquially known as 'Old Bolwarra', the home sits on a 5.98ha parcel of land that includes an elevated frontage gently sloping down to rural pastures at the rear.

Providing a taste of country life in the heart of town, the tightly-held acreage has been divided into six paddocks including the house yard, making it ideal for horse owners and hobby farmers looking for a prime allotment close to the conveniences of town.

Cherished by the current owners, who raised their family there over 24 years, the property has proven to be the ultimate tree-change oasis, offering rural peace and tranquillity with the ability to pursue a range of agricultural pursuits within six minutes of the city centre.

The extensive landscaping at the front of the property and the home's double brick construction also ensures it feels a world away from suburbia, while a traditional picket fence, grand bricked entry and towering trees provide plenty of privacy.

Manicured hedges planted by the current owners flank the long drive to create a stately entrance perfectly suited to such a magnificent home.

Period architecture including a high pitched faade, arched windows and intricate bargeboards create a striking first impression, while the stunning leadlight glass surrounds of the solid timber front door are truly breathtaking, especially when catching the last rays of the setting sun.

Step inside to experience the spectacular original details that give this home unrivalled period character, from the soaring 14 foot ceilings with their gorgeous ornate plasterwork and cornices to the eye-catching central archway and rich warm tones of the polished timber floorboards.

French doors with shutters, picture rails, high skirting boards and wood-burning fireplaces with decorative timber or marble mantels add to the authenticity of the ambience, complemented by delicate chandeliers, vintage-style pendant lights and heritage fittings.

Generous proportions flow through the entire home, from the four luxurious bedrooms to the expansive formal living room and the palatial ensuite in the master bedroom.

A sympathetic modern extension added to the rear of the home by the owners in 2010 echoes the grand dimensions and period details of the original section of the house, with 12 foot ceilings, double hung windows and a vast open plan space that includes a gourmet kitchen, dining room and sitting area, with multiple bays of large windows and doors that ensure the beauty of the surrounding farmland remains centre stage.

White cabinetry and black 40mm granite benchtops and matching splashback provide a contemporary combination with timeless appeal, with overhead glass display cabinets add a touch of country elegance.

Three antique-style pendant lights are a striking focal point over the long island bench, while quality Miele stainless steel appliances including a 600mm pyrolytic oven and 600mm microwave oven make catering for friends and family easy.

The modern extension has been designed for entertaining, providing plenty of space for elegant dinner parties, extended family gatherings or milestone celebrations.

Stacking glass doors in the living room open this space up to the rear decked entertaining area, with an additional deck on the lower level, while a large timber and glass door with clear glass panel surrounds next to the kitchen allows you to extend your alfresco dining options out onto the long covered and tiled side verandah.

Other modern renovations also completed in 2010 pay homage to the original era of the home, with contemporary elements complemented by vintage accents such as in those evident in the massive master bedroom ensuite. The luxurious space features glossy floor-to-ceiling tiling alongside an intricately carved timber vanity with rolled edge marble top, ornately framed mirror and stunning freestanding clawfoot bath with brass telephone tapware.

The master suite is a true parents' retreat, with huge proportions, a massive walk-through wardrobe with sliding mirrored doors and internal access to the attached double garage, as well as its own entry door with beautiful slumped glass inserts that provides access from the front verandah.

The remaining three bedrooms are all located on the northern side of the house alongside the master and the beautiful main bathroom, while the living areas run along the southern aspect, allowing the home's well-planned slightly south of east facing orientation to make the most of the passage of the sun, keeping it cool in summer and warm in winter.

An additional living room in the main house, a separate versatile studio that could be used as a home office, gym, guest room or entertaining space, and a king-sized laundry ensure the home has more than enough space for large families, while the large inground concrete swimming pool, paved surrounds and adjoining pool house will provide a hit in the warmer months.

With a bus stop outside the front gate, a general store and cafe 200m down the road and the leafy village centre of Lorn within walking distance, the property is ideally located in a friendly, inclusive neighbourhood, with the culinary, shopping, sporting and cultural amenities of Maitland's thriving city centre just a short drive away.

SMS 5Pat to 0428 166 755 for a link to the on-line property brochure.