Sold by Dominic Romeo of Circa Heritage and Lifestyle Property, who told WILLIAMS MEDIA, “The dream and romance of owning a historic house is what captivates people.”
One of Australia’s architecturally, historically and socially important Old Colonial Georgian country houses, Wentworth House, located in Bothwell, Tasmania, has been sold by Dominic Romeo of Circa Heritage and Lifestyle Property for $1.5 million.
Source: Circa Heritage and Lifestyle PropertyThe campaign attracted a huge amount of interest, with a majority of buyers for Wentworth House from interstate, particularly Sydney.
“In the first 2 weeks, I received approximately 400 enquiries via email or phone, constantly throughout the day and night!” Dominic Romeo told WILLIAMS MEDIA.
“This was not surprising. Serious buyers and buyers who understand important houses such as Wentworth House, act quickly when they come onto the market. Every person who enquired, received a 15-page detailed e-brochure on the history and architectural importance of Wentworth House.”
“Every inspection was conducted in person. Wentworth House is complicated – it involves history, heritage controls, architecture, questions on restoration and maintenance costs, gardens and information about the region. It is important to be present – buyers rely on everything you say, and they instantly want informative answers.”
There were 6 offers made on the property, plus 3 counter offers.
“Those who made offers were generally buyers looking for important heritage property, a 'trophy' property which had architectural and historic importance. The region or location was not a deciding factor. The dream and romance of owning a historic house is what captivates people.”
Source: Circa Heritage and Lifestyle PropertyConvict builders began building ‘Wentworth Mansion’ during 1830, on behalf of Captain D’Arcy Wentworth at a cost of 560 pounds. The building was named initially named ‘Inverhall’. In 1833, Major Charles Schaw purchased the property and immediately enlarged the house adding a second storey at a cost of 4,000 pounds. He renamed it ‘Schawfield’.
Today, Wentworth House is situated on the edge of the historic township of Bothwell, known for its numerous heritage listed buildings, from quaint sandstone cottages to large homesteads, stores, churches, outbuildings and mills. The town is also home to Ratho, Australia’s oldest golf course; the famous Nant Whisky distillery; and the Castle Hotel, licensed since 1829.
Source: Circa Heritage and Lifestyle PropertyDominic told WILLIAMS MEDIA that Wentworth House remains one of Australia’s important historic country houses.
“It is of historic heritage significance not only because of its ability to demonstrate the principle characteristics of an Old Colonial Georgian sandstone house, but also because its townscape associations are regarded as highly important to the community’s sense of place. The house is one of the most elaborate in Bothwell and unique in Australia, retaining many important and unique architectural features such as the cantilevered stone staircase, Grecian key patterns in the stone work, curved ceiling and a large central chimney, a rare feature in Australia. There is no close resemblance to any other colonial house in NSW or Tasmania. It is also one of the best examples of a one-and-a-half storey house in Australia.”
“The residence is also significant because of its association with Major D’Arcy Wentworth, a person of importance to Tasmanian history and brother to Willian Charles Wentworth of Vaucluse House, Sydney. It has associations with early settlement, convict labour, and the colonial architect George Cookney.”
Source: Circa Heritage and Lifestyle PropertyWith COVID-19 providing an opportunity for people to examine what is important to them, the market in regional centres and smaller states remains strong, Dominic told WILLIAMS MEDIA.
“Tasmania is a strong market, as is regional Victoria. It is very much about people, particularly in large cities, reviewing their lives and moving interstate or country areas for a quieter and safer lifestyle. To many, climate is important – people escaping the humidity in Queensland or the intense heat of WA.”
“I have been involved in heritage and heritage property for 30 years. What I do is quite unique in the Australian real estate industry. As an agent selling throughout the state of Tasmania and Victoria, I keep ahead of regional tourism, developments, events, where the best cafes and schools are – you are very much an information and tourism centre. It is a brave commitment to move interstate – people are often nervous. Information is important to those moving from other regions – it puts them at ease.”
“Buyers want knowledge and with knowledge buyers become confident. This is also the case with vendors feeling comfortable with an agent who understands their obsession, passion and commitment to history and historic houses.”
Source: Circa Heritage and Lifestyle PropertyTo view the listing or for more information click here.
See more luxury Tasmanian real estate:
Breathtaking views, stunning gardens, and impressive architect designed residence: ‘Celestial Estate’ [link]
Drumferg Estate: Secluded acreage with craftsman built residence and private lake [link]
‘Planetrees’: Sophisticated country living with boutique income stream [link]