Paradise in the city
Cheltenham Place is a picture-perfect piece of Tasmanian history and a wonderfully comfortable place to live, writes Jarrad Bevan.
FROM its stately position overlooking historic Hampden Rd, Cheltenham Place catches the eye of everyone that passes by. What’s behind that door? Who has lived there over the past 170-plus years? From the street it gives little away, but once inside, this is a home that can tell tales of Hobart’s history.
While some careful updates have been made over time, the property is also a showcase of yesteryear. From the open fireplaces to the high ceilings and exposed timber, there is a special type of warmth within these walls that cannot be replicated.
Its owners have called No.23 home for about 16 years.
The husband and wife say they are selling “with regret”, while also knowing that the timing is right to let the property go.
She said they had hardly changed a thing over the years.
“There was an old stable at the back, it was really just used as a storage shed, so we cleared it out and installed a kitchen in that space,” she said.
“The previous kitchen was pretty meagre. It took some planning, and we kept exactly the same footprint.
“The new kitchen provided an opportunity to open it out to the paved, private courtyard and cottage garden, which is great.
“It makes for more inclusive living; you can walk straight out and have a cup of coffee in the garden — it’s perfect.”
The original two-storey section of the home presents as it would have in earlier times, with its exposed pine four-panelled doors, wide skirting boards and architraves, along with high ceilings and open fireplaces.
From the entrance hall are the formal lounge and dining rooms, while upstairs, there are two sizeable double bedrooms and a modern bathroom that mirrors the elegance of the Georgian era.
At the rear, the stylish and sensitive renovation has replaced the ‘behind stairs’ working area of the house with a contemporary, casual living and dining space.
Much of the original external brickwork has been retained, now forming internal walls that reflect the history of the home.
The raked ceiling of the addition seamlessly transitions into a conservatory-style glass roof welcoming in sunshine throughout the day.
A narrow set of stairs near the original kitchen fireplace leads past the Baltic pine ceiling to a loft above. It was once the maid’s bedroom, but now an ideal third bedroom or study.
The new kitchen and adjoining living area have French doors opening to the outdoors.
The property is wired for electronic security, including the gates in the driveway, behind which is a double carport, plus off-street parking for a further two cars.
The homeowners say there is much that they will miss once the home is sold.
“We had lovely neighbours, and the suburb is a wonderful place to spend your time,” she said.
“Tasmania has such wonderful diversity. “You can travel just a couple of hours from the city and you can find fabulous greenery, lakes or the coast.
“You are not far from nature at any given time. And being around the water, that sort of maritime climate, it’s lovely.”
Hampden Rd is one of Battery Point’s most iconic streets, and Cheltenham Place, built in 1850, is one of its most notable residences.
Built in the classic Georgian terrace style of its namesake Cheltenham in the UK, it displays symmetry and simplicity of design.
Locally made bricks, many with thumb prints and arrows, give authenticity to its heritage in the convict times of Van Diemen’s Land.
Since those times, it has been home to a number of prominent Tasmanian families including state politicians.
Cheltenham Place is a prime example of a Battery Point early gentleman’s residence.
Along with many other substantial dwellings in the area, plus the numerous gentrified workingmen cottages, these properties have become much sought after due to the delightful village atmosphere of the area with its restaurants, cafes, shops and local pubs.
Its proximity to popular Salamanca Place and Hobart’s waterfront add to its appeal, while the Hobart CBD is within walking distance or a mere five minute drive away.
No.23 Hampden Rd, Battery Point is listed for sale with Harrison Agents Hobart at “Offers over $2.7m”.
BATTERY POINT 23 HAMPDEN RD
Price: Offers over $2.7m House size: 214sq m Agent: Harrison Agents refer Pam Corkhill 6212 0900 realestate.com.au ID: 141098912
BUILT in 1966, this updated triple-bedroom home is set in a growing suburb only 10km from the Hobart CBD.
This lovingly maintained and recently refreshed home offers an affordable, movein ready opportunity for families and investors.
It has new paint, carpet and polished floorboards, LED downlights, ducted gas heating, a heat pump and NBN.
The floorplan includes an open plan living, dining and kitchen area with a northeast aspect.
There are mountain views from the sunroom, a space that would be ideal as a study.
In the modern bathroom there is a walkin shower and a separate bath while the bedrooms are all a good size, two with builtin wardrobes.
Outside there is a level fenced garden, ideal for children and pets, plus a double garage, ample off street parking and a storage shed.
Price: Offers over $545,000 House size: 118sq m Land area: 612sq m Agent: Petrusma Property refer Sam Towns 6224 7889 realestate.com.au ID: 140998712