NATIONAL TREASURE

Historic Claremont House is an adored and important piece of Tasmania’s history.

JARRAD BEVAN

GRAND and gorgeous Claremont House is an important piece of Tasmania’s past and its future, too.

EIS Property senior consultant Deb Stephens described it as the type of property that leaves you in awe of its sheer size, immense grandeur, romantic ambience and hidden demeanour.

She said this architectural masterpiece, built in 1839, has had many owners and uses including private owners through to 1940, a period of government ownership ‘til 1997, and then back to private ownership.

Magistrates, politicians and sportsmen have called it home.

In 1819 when John Pascoe Fawkner owned the property it stretched across 93 acres of land.

Under government stewardship, Claremont House was used as a rehabilitation hospital then later the home of Adult Education.

And, at a time, prominent Tasmanian businesswomen Jan Cameron owned the home.

Over the past 14 years, current property owner Joel van Sanden has poured heart and soul into the careful restoration of this Heritage Listed home.

And while its size and luxury may hint at a commercial venture, Mrs Stephens said she wouldn’t be shocked if its next owner did not use it as a stately private residence.

No stranger to large home sales such as Stoke House and Beaumaris House, Mrs Stephens said both were bought by this type of purchaser.

There is a hunger for large, historic, family homesteads, she said.

“Certainly there will be some interstate interest, but often buyers of these homes are Tasmanian,” Mrs Stephens said.

“At 4.7 acres of land, it is so unique, you just don’t find that with these older properties as the grounds are most often subdivided and developed.

“That size and privacy could be part of the appeal for the next owner.

“While you are only a short drive from the city, the property is currently home to a horse, ducks, turkeys, chickens, you could have goats … there is so much land to do whatever you can dream of.”

The main homestead accommodates 11 bedrooms and eight bathrooms; five of these are ensuites.

Perfect for a large or extended family, there are multiple living rooms — including