MANSION AMAZES

Tynwald’s custodians want new owners to write the next chapter for this storybook mansion on the River Derwent.

MICHELLE SINGER

THE time is right for Tynwald’s present custodians, Patricia Kelsall and Garry Roohan, to move on to their next chapter.

They’ve spent 36 years working on Tynwald, and the passionate owners of the historic New Norfolk mansion are ready to sell.

The Georgian mansion has attracted serious local and interstate inquiries during its expressions of interest campaign, which closes on September 15.

The property, which has operated as a boutique hotel with a 25-seat restaurant for decades, has attracted a range of prospective buyers from investors, who want to continue the accommodation business, to families looking for an opulent private home.

“I did a video walk through with someone who is in lockdown in NSW and they were just blown away by the old watermill, the history and the setting,” EIS Property listing agent Deb Stephens says.

“The location is amazing, you’ve got the bird life and the river frontage. You don’t feel isolated as you’re not far from the city and close to New Norfolk, but it’s a world away from anything.”

English free settlers John and Martha Terry, who had 11 children, built the original Georgian-style home in 1830, but not before constructing a mill for grinding wheat (1822) and a granary, which has been converted into a one-bedroom selfcontained unit.

Located at the confluence of the Derwent and Lachlan Rivers, it wasn’t until 1889 that it was dramatically extended by then owner and politician William Moore, who added the tower, bay windows, verandas and iron lacework, reflecting grand Victorian mansions of the era.

Ms Stephens says she’s listed and sold several historic homes during her career, acknowledging the passion and pride that came with purchasing such significant properties.

“People are drawn to character homes for the history and story, they love becoming the new caretakers and becoming part of that story,” she says.

“Of course, with such beauty comes an obligation and responsibility and owners willing to take that on because they see the benefit of retaining that history that will become a legacy for the next generation.”

For Garry and Pat, purchasing Tynwald