36 Villiers Street

Grafton NSW 2460

By way of numerous historical sources and with the assistance of the National Trust of Australia, historians have concluded that the original house was owned and built by Captain George Greenaway a well known mariner who commanded the river steamers Collector and Favourite that worked the busy Clarence River in the late 19th century. It is assumed the original house was constructed c. 1880 as a single storey but grand residence for a prominent Graftonian approaching retirement.
The central address was adjacent, in those days, to the TE Henson & Sons Cordial Factory (now a part of TAFE) and the second owner of Ravenford was WH Henson who purchased the deceased estate in 1898 and by 1900 had converted it to an even grander two storey residence with bay windows. The same external design more or less stands to this day.
The house is both Heritage (local) and National Trust (national) listed and listed also with the Society of Architects (national) in their list of most significant buildings in Australia. The mature bangalow palms in the back garden have their own mention in National Trust listing. Ravenford was featured in 'Historic Places of Australia: Volume 2 by Australian Council of National Trusts. The house is considered as one of the most significant heritage houses in Grafton, and one of only a handful of original two-storey heritage residences remaining in their original or near original form.
For the purchaser of the 21st Century, Ravenford offers a direct link with the past and a highly adaptable family home for the present and future.
There are a vast series of large and small rooms, all with huge ceilings, throughout both storeys, and study of the floorplan is recommended before and after inspecting.
All told the internal set up of the house is extremely flexible depending on the new owners needs. Up to 4 bedrooms + a study are on offer, with numerous living areas and sitting rooms offering additional flexible space. There are two kitchens, (although one needs renovations and is located in a semi-separate flat that can be accessed by a different door or internally). There are two bathrooms, again, the one in the flat needs work. There are verandahs on both storeys and it must be said that for a high traffic location, the interior is impressively quiet.
Ornate pressed metal and polished timber ceilings are a particularly striking historical feature inside and the owners window furnishings and paint schemes are suitably sympathetic.
There is garaging, there is a garden and of course the location is within 2 city blocks of most of the CBD so for a modern family this historic house will offer you a lot of convenience.
Located in an area of town that could easily lend itself to professional rooms or business of some sort - perhaps an Accountant? Doctors Surgery? Antique Shop?
Words can only do so much.
Inspections are a must.
Pest Report available - offers prior to Auction encouraged.
Contact our office today to arrange yours on 6642 1811.