LOVE IN THE HUON

Period charms combine easily with the comforts of modern living — prepare to be love-struck by Cygnet’s Helmsman’s House.

THERE is a sense of magic and romance that never fails to inspire when visiting this gorgeous, historic home in Cygnet.

Known as Helmsman’s House, it is owned by noted author and television and film producer, editor, screenwriter and director Posie Graeme-Evans and her husband production director Andrew Blaxland.

The couple bought the property a few years ago and set about a restoration and transformation.

Thinking back to the first time she saw the home, Posie says she “fell in love with the possibilities”.

She also fell in love with the special views.

“That is what knocks people out about Cygnet, and about where we are - the great big long view down to the water and the hills and away,” she said.

“If an aurora turns up, you can see it dance over the far southern horizon, dancing over the water.”

Originally the couple came to Cygnet when Posie was finishing a book. She sees the property as a source of inspiration. And she is not the only one that feels its inspiring nature.

“We have some guests that come back three and four times a year,” she said.

“This house is peaceful. It is warm, snug and you can pull it around you like a doona.”

Inspiration for the forthcoming McLeod’s Daughters movie came to Posie while mowing the lawns at Helmsman’s House

“I got this idea, and it is a story that we have never done, it is a different story - I fell in love with it again,” she said.

Helmsman’s House has caught the eye of house hunters far and wide, It has been viewed many thousands of times on realestate.com.au and listing agent Amber Leighton of Homelands Property described the reaction from the market as “incredible”.

“We expected most of the interest would come from interstate and we have taken heaps of people through the home via Skype,” she said.

“They want to learn a bit about Cygnet and often they tell me about how they have dreamt of owning a property such as this one.

“It has all been about the location, the dream, country living, five acres - it is the idea of the lifestyle that is available here.

“And already we have got multiple people talking about making an offer without even setting foot on the property.

“People are wondering, if they don’t secure this property what is the likelihood that something similar will come to market? It is so slim.”

Helmsman’s House is the owner of a Most Romantic Accommodation award at a national showcase and it is easy to see how it secured that honour.

From the position with its commanding views over Port Cygnet Bay to stunning early 1900s cottage, the property is bound to exceed and sea and tree-change expectations.

The Federation era home offers two bedrooms, two bathroom and a wide open living zone with even wider views.

Accessed via French doors from the open plan living and dining space, there is a large, limestone flagged terrace with a gazebo. An ideal spot to entertain or relax.

A highlight in the living zone is the centrally located Chiminee Phillip doublesided fireplace. Romance? Tick!

The kitchen has been revamped to suit the home’s upgrades and now provides gas cooking, a Smeg oven and celery top pine benchtops.

There are two opulent bedrooms with the master boasting the luxury of an ensuite.

Both bathrooms have a bath, walk-in shower and underfloor heating.

Amber said Posie had given Helmsman’s House its name after the view as it is “like you are on the helm of a boat overlooking the bay”.

She said it was one of the property many fine features.

“I adore the rarity of a property like this, so private and unique and also close to the township,” she said.

While letting go is rarely an easy decision, for Posie and Andrew the timing feels right.

Posie said it will be difficult to say goodbye.

“It is beautiful. It was a real pleasure doing it and has so much of us in it,” she said.

“It speaks to the heart, this place.

“It is deeply romantic... but the time has come.”