HIDDEN GEM

FOR people who don’t know it is there, they could be forgiven for driving straight past this huge historic home without batting an eyelid.

From Huntingfield Avenue at

Kingston, only a glimpse of sandstone through the trees hints at what lies beyond.

But for those lucky enough to visit, Huntingfield House is an absolute treasure.

The property, about 12km from Hobart city, is set on 2ha of cleared land with an uninterrupted view of kunanyi/Mount Wellington.

It is so vast that it has two street frontages, and agent Craig Patterson says the proposition of so much land so close to local shops, beach and services — let alone Hobart — could be a huge drawcard for a development-minded buyer.

For lovers of centuries-old heritage architecture, Huntingfield House will delight with its almost 200 years of stories to tell.

The owner said the original allotment on which Huntingfield House was built was more than 800ha.

The home — three levels and a loft — took years to construct, with the work starting in the 1820s.

The current owners have lived here for about 20 years and have invested plenty of resources towards restoring and preserving the home.

“Solid” is simply not a strong enough word for how this home was originally built.

“It has double sandstone exterior and triple brick interior walls,” the home’s owner said. “We have been lucky enough to have exceptional artisan craftsmen completing the restoration work.”

She said the home had no footings because it was built on to the bedrock.

“Aside from a northern orientation, it is very much like the modern trend of passive solar houses,’’ the owner said.

“It is naturally cool in summer and warm in winter with some help from the Cheminees Philippe [fireplace] that we put in.’’

With the house being as large as it is, the owners mainly live in the downstairs level, where the kitchen, dining room, family room and cellar are located.

The home features a huge bathroom, and there is also a parlour and a library — with gorgeous original timberwork — that flank the front entrance.

There is also a music room behind the library, as well as a den.

“In the community, there are a lot of people we have met who have a connection to the house,” the owner said.

“People who have visited but have not spent much time around the

Huntingfield area are often completely unaware of the house because it is so secluded.

“It is an oasis just 10 minutes from the city.”

While much of the home feels like a trip back in time, others spaces are more up-to-date, such as the new kitchen that the owners installed — in keeping with the style of the property — that opens to a courtyard on the northern wall.

The decision to sell this grand old property was due to “age and stage”.

“It’s five acres, we aren’t getting any younger and we have family living interstate,’’ the owner said.

“You reach a chapter in your life where, with regret, you simply have to move on.

“It has, however, been an absolute privilege to live here. t has been an exceptional experience. We have learnt so much — it has been wonderful.”

The property is listed with Craig Patterson Real Estate and priced between $2,100,000 and $2,300,000.