Buyers pursue lifestyle

REAL estate agents are reporting strong demand for “lifestyle properties” as an 1800s period home hits the market and a multi-residence site sells for more than $1m.

Charlotte Peterswald agent George Self said while transactions were down, the past month was so much better than expected amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There’s been a huge spike in lifestyle property inquiries,” he said.

“Any lifestyle properties on the market are attracting equal strong interest from interstate and local house hunters. Not that surprising, with Tasmania right now the best place to be.”

The seven-bedroom, six bathroom, 40ha Heimat Chalets farm stay in Black Hills via New Norfolk recently sold after being on the market for five months.

The property, advertised for more than $1m, sold recently for $1.3m.

Another lifestyle property in Pontville is the 1814 Georgian masterpiece, Marlbrook.

“The gardens are seriously stunning, a feature in themselves and one of its great attributes,” Mr Self said.

“The cottage has been beautifully renovated and is ideal for Airbnb when things return to normal, which is a key benefit.

“All period (features) have been impeccably maintained. It’s something special and an easy 30-minute commute to Hobart.

“Coronavirus has really got people thinking about how they want to live.”

Steeped in convict and early settlement colonial history, Marlbrook, a prominent landmark of the Southern Midlands, retains the opulence of its halcyon days.

Along with the two-storey sandstone home, the property comes with a caretaker’s cottage, fully restored to its colonial, yet contemporary, condition.

Mr Self said previous owners had ensured the meticulous and seamless transition of unique heritage features and old-world character with modern upgrades necessary for contemporary living.

Original elements remain in impeccable condition, including stunning woodwork, glass windows, fireplaces, and ornate ceiling cornices.

Manicured hedges and blooming florals are features. Established boundary trees include a 150-year-old oak. The estate includes separate paddocks, fruit trees, vegetable gardens, multiple storage sheds, a pond and drinking troughs for livestock.

The 6.75ha property sold for $1,350,000 in March 2015.