Nicolette van Wijngaarden of Unique Estates Australia told SCHWARTZWILLIAMS, 'This is without doubt, one of the most magnificent private country estates."
Steeped in colonial history and surrounded by magnificent gardens and lush dairy country, Terrara House is undoubtedly the finest historic mansion on the South Coast of New South Wales.
Constructed from local sandstone in 1904 and designed by Richard Moore, Terrara House is exceptional in scale and grandeur. With 20 rooms over three levels and featuring impressive scale and period details throughout, the Estate covers 16.85 park-like acres, including 12 acres of manicured gardens.
From the grand entry foyer and staircase, to the 13 fireplaces and wide verandas with iron lacework, the house has been sympathetically and thoroughly restored over the years by previous owners. The estate has also seen the addition of a separate commercial kitchen, a conservatory, 18 metre heated swimming pool, all weather championship tennis court and a luxury private spa.
The original stables have also been restored to provide charming and comfortable guest accommodation. The magnificent stables predate the house itself, which was built on the site of a previous house that was home to the pioneering De Mestre family who first settled in Terara in 1836. The best known member of the family, Etienne de Mestre, was a celebrated racehorse trainer. Etienne regularly conducted private race meetings on a track on the Terrara House estate and trained Archer, winner of the first two Melbourne Cups. His record of five Cup winners, all trained on the estate, stood for almost a century.
Terrara House was originally built for the Mackenzie family. Head of the family, Hugh Mackenzie, was a Scottish laird and Mayor of the Shoalhaven for 23 years. The current owners purchased the estate as a weekend home in 2004. In this time, they have expanded the gardens to include formal parterres and an abundantly productive vegetable garden that is certain to be the envy of many.
Nicolette van Wijngaarden of Unique Estates Australia told SCHWARTZWILLIAMS, 'This is without doubt, one of the most magnificent private country estates, not only on the South Coast but likely in the country. Not withstanding its historic significance, the stunning landscaped grounds, lush rural surroundings and array of outbuildings, Terrara House provides extraordinary appeal for its rural setting and access to the areas best beaches.'
Terrara House is located an easy 2.5 hour drive from Sydney and is just 3 kilometres from Nowra and 15 minutes drive south of Berry. A delightful 20 minute drive along charming country lanes leads to the unspoiled beaches of Culburra, Callala and the northern side of Jervis Bay. The estate is in easy walking distance to the Shoalhaven River, the historic village of Terara and Terara Public School.
See more of 77 Millbank Road, Terara NSW, 2540 including additional photos, video and floorplans on Luxury List.
To arrange a private inspection or inquire about a price guide phone or email Nicolette van Wijngaarden of Unique Estates Australia or Simon Platt of Unique Estates Australia via these links.
Read more about real estate in regional NSW:
'Mandalay': a magnificent 77-hectare Southern Highlands estate
Palm beach mountain-side privacy with sweeping beach views
John McGrath says Australians are embracing the regional hub