87 Wellington Street

Longford TAS 7301

Goodlands
This stunning, white triple brick Georgian residence in the main street of Longford is admired by many. The symmetry, the solidness, the beautiful verandah and pathway lined with standard roses. They don't realize, with out seeing old photographs, that the home has been faithfully restored, with only the split timber shingles not a practical roofing option. The destruction caused by wisteria on the front verandah is no longer evident - an artisan was commissioned to faithfully reproduce the timber fretwork and decorative decals. Original sandstone blocks were pain stakingly uncovered after much chipping away of the cement overlay. Even the old front stoop has been revealed - its worn, smooth dip hinting at more than a century of history beyond. Little aside from the surroundings had changed between 1877 and 2003, the renovations are now complete. Goodlands, at 87 Wellington Street, Longford, is what remains of the original 60-acre (24 hectare) grant to the Mason family that became Goodlands Farm. In 1877 Goodlands was sold to the Arthur family and down through time subsequent owners have personalized the home, retaining many features of historical significance that resulted in its Heritage listing. Working closely with the National Trust, Goodlands has been restored to better than new. Old world charm is blended with modern comfort and conveniences. Some small rooms have been combined to larger living areas. The barn has been linked via a clever glass-walled, gallery walkway and this magic old building now contains a huge country style kitchen and upstairs guest accommodation. The barn had one crumbling wall rebuilt using 5000 bricks that were buried in the back yard. Even the rafters and original wooden nails were sandblasted and reused and the entire outside, painted green, was carefully taken back to bear brick by hand stripping. Right throughout the house floorboards have been rejuvenated, cornice replaced, rooflines adjusted and French doors added. A slate-paved walled courtyard was built, the garden re-established and everything from the paint, plumbing, and wiring to the heating, carpeting and furnishing has been totally replaced. In fact the asking price can almost totally be accounted for in the use of only the very best of everything as the amazing restoration took place. This is a house with curtains of doona-thick padded drapes and pelmets and Eton check fabrics imported from England. Wilton carpet hand made in New Zealand and hand painted trompe l'oeil from overseas show a view and canine that are not really there. What is real is the magnificent partere garden, with box hedges and central fountain and goldfish pond. Sweeping lawns and lovely old shade trees. Here is a chance to live a movie-star lifestyle or run an exclusive tourism venture. Custom-made padded bedheads and canopy, gold bathroom fittings, a dressing room the size of the average lounge room with mirror-front wardrobes and built-in shoe racks. In fact so many of the chattels have been custom-made for both the interior and exterior of the home, that they will be sold with the house. When you enter the central passageway of the house you have to detour left to access the living room, formal lounge room and formal dining room that link back to the gallery and the brick barn section. On the right, where a passageway takes you to an added wing of the house, you will find two big bedrooms, two bathrooms and the dressing room. The master bedroom is the epitomy of romance and decadence with a decore fit for royalty. Walls in a soft lime green blend with floral fabrics in green and lilac on a soft carpet of neutral beige sisal, all of which stays after the sale. There is floor heating throughout, plus gas fire place to reproduce the charm of an open fire. Full security system and a double garage are also on site. The Architecturally designed Pool House is breathtaking, complete with in ground heated swimming pool, bathroom and entertaining facilities. The Coach House encompasses completely independent fully self contained accommodation and parking. Electronic side gates allow entry into a private secluded world. Seldom is a home so beautifully and authentically restored to keep all the character features while increasing the comfort level and aesthetic appearance to such a high standard. It's been achieved with a special dedication and flair but without detracting from the home's practical purpose as a family abode. Tasmania, a lifestyle complete.
Additional feature - Fully Fenced; Rural Views; 6 Offstreet Parking; Public Transport: Close by; Landscaped Gardens.