1886 cottage of Australian icon goes under the hammer
The home that once belonged to the woman featured on Australia’s $20 bill has been listed for an auction.
Built around 1886, the four-bedroom, two-bathroom house in Hunters Hill, in Sydney’s lower north shore, has been listed with a $4.25 million price guide.
The area was first settled by Mary Reibey, a convict who went on to become a successful businesswoman running her own shipping and trading enterprises.
Since 1994, her face has been featured on the $20 note.
She was known in the Hunters Hill area for building two small cottages to house convict labour for Figtree House, a farm that still stands today.
If the home sells for its multi-million listing price and its new owner were to pay in $20 notes, they would need more than 210,000 - or about 10 briefcases worth.
Its current owner, who wished not to be named, is selling the home after living there for a decade and is looking to downsize now their adult children have left home.
In a statement shared with The Daily Telegraph, the vendors said they kept many of the original period features of the weatherboard home, including a vintage fireplace, out of a passion for its heritage.
“Over time the house was extended to take advantage of its perfect northern aspect, so its rambling layout has really suited our family, especially as the children got older,” they said.
“We love sitting on the veranda soaking up the all-day sun, especially at this time of year when the area’s deciduous trees come into leaf and it’s awash with jacarandas.”
“Hunters Hill has an incredible history on every corner – it truly feels like a little French village on the harbour.”
While historic features have been maintained, the home has also had its share of updates, including French doors that open to the wraparound verandah and an island kitchen with a gas stove top and modern appliances.
Simon Harrison, the principal agent at Belle Property Hunters Hill who listed the home, said the 524-square-metre property had already garnered some interest due to its character.
“We’ve had a lot of interest from growing families and young couples, it’s a great location and a character home that has really appealed to potential buyers,” Mr Harrison said.
“I think the knee-jerk reaction to the initial interest rate rises has settled down and we’re now seeing a new norm where buyers are willing to pay the right price for weatherboard homes like this one which don’t come around too often.”
Images: Belle Property Hunters Hill