It has been on the market for about a year but failed to sell for $30 million.
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The opulent Pokolbin property Sweetwater will now go under the auctioneer’s hammer next month.
The European-style chateau is on 122 acres in the heart of Hunter Valley wine country.
Sweetwater House is surrounded by some of Australia’s oldest vineyards.
The main building has soaring ceilings, arched doors, vine-covered Juliet balconies, Mediterranean roof tiles and ochre-washed exteriors.
A pebbled driveway encircles a courtyard fountain.
Deeply vaulted decorative ceilings, crystal chandeliers, flagstone floors, French parquetry and a sweeping staircase make the villa a one-off.
Geoff Clark of The Country Trader in Sydney’s Waterloo spent a year sourcing antique fixtures and fittings in Europe. All the tiles and bricks were imported.
Guests are accommodated in separate wings away from the vast living and dining spaces. There are eight bedrooms, 10 bathrooms and a rustic kitchen with an Aga stove, double marble basins, timber ceilings and an open fire.
The villa overlooks 48 hectares of countryside designed as a hamlet in the southern European manner.
Alan Jurd of Jurd’s Real Estate, Cessnock said Sweetwater was a rare product.
With six dams and 16 hectares dedicated to vineyards featuring shiraz, cabernet and semillon varieties, the Pokolbin site would suit a vintner with deep pockets.
“The interest has primarily been from Asia but there’s also inquiry from Australia,” Mr Jurd said.
The estate includes a wine cellar and cellar door, day spa, manager’s gatehouse, plunge pool and olive grove.
It comes with approval for a function centre and additional accommodation.
Sweetwater Wines is part of the Hardies Holding Group.
The auction will be held on March 22 at 10.30am at Auctionworks, Mezzanine Level, 50 Margaret Street, Sydney.
Sweetwater facts:
- 49 hectares (122 acres)
- Eight bedrooms
- 10 bathrooms
- Three powder rooms
- Six-car parking
- Four juliet balconies
- Day spa
- Cellar door with apartments
- 16ha of Shiraz, Cabernet and Semillion
- Six dams, 152-megalitre water licence