Situated on a protected corner in the village of Ranelagh, the historic property of Clifton dates back to the 1850’s, with the main house dating from 1865. From the entrance along the sweeping driveway, along the cypress hedge and on to the extensive gardens, this remarkable property is like another world. Steeped in history and surrounded by old gardens and trees, Clifton has long been considered a landmark in the Huon Valley. The property now consists of 3.5 acres of garden and parkland, Main house and adjoining Oast house all listed by the National Trust. In addition to the 25-room house, there are two cottage rooms for guest or staff accommodation, a 4-car carport, original 3 storey hop drying kiln (Oast House), two apple pickers huts and several small shed/structures scattered through the property.

The main house includes the original sandstone section constructed in 1865, as well as additions to the building that span three different period styles. The original Georgian section houses the kitchen, breakfast and cellar areas, with the extension added sometime around 1880. This addition resembled a style often seen in simpler English homes of that period . The final extensions were thought to be added around 1900 and were of grander proportions in terms of room size and ceiling height and it is in this part of the house the library and formal drawing room are found. The total room count (excluding hallways, butlers pantry and foyer) comes to 25 rooms over two floors, giving ample living space for a large number of people if necessary.

The ground floor consists of all living areas and currently includes the kitchen wing, formal dining room (including a butlers pantry), large sitting room with sunroom, library, formal drawing room and workroom (also a potential spare bedroom). There are three bathrooms on this floor, two with spa baths. The upper floor houses six bedrooms (master with dressing room), an attic room currently used as an office, three en suite bathrooms and a large sunroom.

Original features throughout include timber paneling, several timber fireplaces and a stunning marble fireplace, large feature leadlight, ceiling roses, wide skirting and architraves, as well as all original doors and windows intact.

The house is centrally heated with two large reverse cycle systems, giving the option of isolating one side of the house for heating or cooling. Five of the main house bathrooms have under floor tile heating. The house has hard wired smoke alarms in most rooms. All rooms excepting the library and kitchen wing have floor length lined drapes that give total blackout when closed.

The first garden cottage includes a small eating area, a bedroom with sitting area and an adjoining bathroom with spa bath and an antique wash stand converted to a vanity cupboard with sink. A built in cupboard houses the bar fridge and further storage space. This cottage has a central heating system and the bathroom has under floor heating.The second garden cottage is accessed from the car park by a winding convict brick path. This cottage room has some lovely architectural features and is also centrally heated, with under floor heating in the bathroom. Both cottages have floor length drapes and carpeted floors.

The original hop kiln (Oast House) was built in 1912, and used for the purpose of drying hops until around 1960. This magnificent building stands three storeys high, with the adjoining tower looming at the front. This building is National Trust listed and a heritage gem, being the only oast house of its kind this side of Hobart. The Oast house still houses the original hop press and drying kiln and the options for the building are endless.

Other buildings around the property include 2 Original Pickers Huts, a four space carport located in the parking area, a machinery shed, small garden shed and a charming tennis gazebo located in the front yard where there was once a tennis court. At the southwest corner of the grounds, you will find a large chicken pen.

The gardens at Clifton are extensive and varied. The grounds have many old trees and shrubs and have been the subject of much interest over the years.

The charm and beauty of Clifton is difficult to word sufficiently, and it will be a very fortunate buyer that secures this very special and unique property.

Extended Information

Contact:

Peter Clark

Mobile: 0418 596 747
Email: peter@southproperty.com.au

No Warranty Given. You should seek your own independent advice as to the accuracy of the information supplied.