One of Tasmania's best known historic homes is now on the market. The Sheiling in Pontville, only 30 minutes from Hobart CBD, although far from being a mansion, is a substantial stone former bed and breakfast establishment with a controversial history.

The National Trust, the National Heritage Register and the Tasmanian Heritage Council have listed the building. The Register of the National Estate book "The Heritage of Tasmania" states :-

This house is comprised of two small conjoined cottages which now form one dwelling. Built around 1819, it is a single storey stone construction with a truncated iron gable roof and attic dormers. Its significance to the village stems from its being one of the earliest buildings in the locality.

The Sheiling, situated behind St. Marks Church (1841), was built on the old "Bell's Line of Road" linking Hobart and Launceston and, in fact, a section of the old road is now the houses driveway. It has generally been thought that it was constructed before the village of Pontville. Its purpose was believed to be one of several military posts that guarded the road with a trooper living in each end. Closed porches facing north and south have narrow windows which would have allowed them to carefully monitor passers-by.

The house passed to the Butler family (of Shene homestead and stables) in 1877 and remained in the family for 76 years until, in 1953, Miss Brownell, a family friend, purchased it and turned it into a single dwelling. Some years later, the then owners built on a wing using sandstone blocks recovered from the demolished Baskerville Hall.

The house has a large central stone chimney with 2 fireplaces on the ground floor and 2 in bedrooms on the attic floor. The beautiful gardens contain numerous stone lined garden beds, mature fruit trees and an outstanding oak tree estimated to be around 150 years old along with several timber outbuildings.

Situated in a picturesque garden setting in the quaint village of Pontville, (originally garrison town) it is approximately 15 minutes drive to the city of Glenorchy or 30 minutes to Hobart. You could have your own escape to the country yet be only minutes away from all facilities.

The level garden is very attractive and is a riot of colour while being sheltered and serene. It provides a private suntrap for outdoor living and there is plenty of space for chickens or animals. A feature of the property is the old Green Ponds railway line (now covered) which runs across the very back of the property. Only 30 minutes to the city, this has to be on your must see list.

Nest Property - Sandy Bay
49 Sandy Bay Road
Battery Point, Tas 7004

Inspection by appointment
contact agent: Rod Force

Ph: 0418 531 837

Disclaimer: All care has been taken in compiling these particulars but, as the same are prepared on instructions and with details provided by the vendor, for whom the company act as agents only, we cannot accept responsibility for errors or misdescriptions if any. Intending purchasers should satisfy themselves as to the correctness of these details.

 

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