1063 Midland Highway, Pontville

On the northern boundary of the historic garrison town of Pontville, is 'Marlbrook', a property established in 1814, a decade after the settling of Hobart Town. Those early days saw the construction of sandstone stables, now converted to quality accommodation, while the current home, a gentleman's residence, was built circa 1840. Despite having been renovated to suit 21st Century living, the house retains many of its classic Georgian features: a window into the past.

Set on a gentle slope, the home has an idyllic outlook across fields to the wooded hills in the north-east. The main entrance to the property was through sandstone gate pillars, their decorative tops being carved by the original owner. These now open onto the rarely used circular driveway, the regular entrance being 20 metres to the south along a hedge and rose lined road leading to the rear of the home, Cottage and carport. Daily access to the house is from the rear via an elegant atrium; visitors, however, may have the pleasure of entering through the original solid front door and be surrounded by an early colonial atmosphere. While wandering through the downstairs rooms this sense of the past is reinforced by beautiful cedar doors, skirtings and architraves, wide floorboards, and deep window casings set in thick sandstone walls. Both the bathrooms and kitchen have been sensitively upgraded to modern needs, and what was once the scullery, is now a well-positioned casual dining space. With formal lounge and dining rooms, a family sitting room, study and double bedroom on the ground floor, plus three double bedrooms upstairs and a nursery or office, this is an ideal family home.

The grounds of the property also carry a sense of history. The convict-hewn sandstone walls and terraces of the home are complemented by age-old established trees giving shade in summer, while hedges divide the garden into delightful separate spaces, each with their own character and style. Fruit trees abound and a traditional parterre garden provides fresh produce for the nearby kitchen.

The opportunity to buy such a well-preserved piece of Tasmanian history does not arise often. Only half an hour from Hobart's CBD, the property offers a beautiful 4 – 5 bedroom home, plus independent accommodation ideal for extra family, visitors, or short-term accommodation (STCA), all of which is surrounded by exquisite grounds in a peaceful, rural setting.