Two historic Maitland properties have hit the market at the same time.
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Gracemere, the eastern wing of the former Taylor’s Bond Store in Swan Street Morpeth, and Glastonbury, one of Bolwarra’s most authentic federation homes, have been listed for sale with the same real estate agent.
Each property is worth around $1.65 million, but at this stage River Realty real estate agent Chris Henry is calling for expressions of interest.
“For the quality you don’t generally get two landmark properties like this on the market at the same time,” he said.
“Both owners have worked tirelessly on these properties to undertake some beautiful restoration work and they’ve both got the properties to a point where they are looking at the next 50 years of their life.
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“Structurally the homes are in absolutely beautiful condition and it’s a completion of a project for those owners.”
Gracemere, which is now a four bedroom and two bathroom home, was finished for James Taylor in 1840.
The businessman spared no expense during the construction of his family home and used sandstone blocks from a local quarry, which were hand cut and polished, to give the exterior its classic look.
Initially it was a free-standing dwelling. Then between 1850 and 1860 Mr Taylor had the Bond Store constructed alongside it with stone stairs that took passengers from the wharf on the Hunter River to the town.
The store became a popular place for locals and visitors. The history books show Caleb Saul, a chemist, worked at the store and sold the strongest rum in the colony.
Today the former Bond Store houses a popular cafe and a private residence.
Gracemere has been lovingly restored inside and out and features three levels as well as a swimming pool
Glastonbury came along 72 years later. It was built in 1912 and was the home of architect Walter Harold Pender, the son of John Wiltshire Pender.
JW Pender built many iconic homes in Maitland including Morpeth School of Arts hall, Cintra House, Benhome, Pinehurst House and Anambah House.
Walter Harold took over his father’s business and eventually passed it onto his son Ian Walter, who died in 1988.
Glastonbury’s federation architecture has been retained and modern conveniences have been incorporated to give its owners the best of both worlds.
The five bedroom, three bathroom, home boats intricate leadlight windows, three elaborate fireplaces, decorative ceilings and a double brick exterior.