Nestled within the picturesque Castle Forbes Bay valley, this Apple orchard and fabulous original Federation farmhouse is the quintessential Huon Valley. Packed with so much character from a by-gone era, this home has wide hardwood flooring, high ceilings and ornate features throughout. The bonus here is the producing apple orchard, the dam and the original sheds completing the package. And a water view to the Huon River.
Driving up off the main road, you are taken past more apples and cherries, as well as pastures with cows. Up Triffetts Lane, a small country lane that is a no through road, leads up to the farm. The dates back pre-1900s. Constructed of hardwood, these old homes are solid and are fantastic for renovating. Part of the restoration has been done by the current owners, a working progress done over the years, enjoying the authenticity of the property to its full.
Now it is your turn to take over this idyllic country lifestyle growing your own apples and selling them at the markets. Super well set-up with a large dam for irrigation where required, the property is both functional and incredibly picturesque. Get back to basics, grow your own veggies, rear your own sheep or cows and tend to your orchard, collect your fresh eggs every morning and slowly renovate your home. This property provides the ability to slow right down and live a self-sufficient lifestyle.
Stepping inside, the hallway instantly captures your heart. This leads through to the lounge where an open wood fire provides a cosy atmosphere. Through to the classic country kitchen, there is so much original character here that you will be inspired to preserve fruit, make jam and cook up hearty meals. You have a choice of using the conventional oven or there is the original range-style wood fired cooker. With views over the orchards and to the Huon River, there is a framed vista through every window, including from the kitchen sink.
The bathroom has been thoughtfully renovated to retain character that is sympathetic to the style of the home. A claw foot bath is the feature here along with a walk-in shower recess made from colonial bricks. Completing the ground level of home are 3 bedrooms and a study. In the hallway, a staircase leads you up into the loft. Up here there is a huge amount of extra space ready to be developed into anything you choose. It can be just one large room providing more living space or split into separate rooms.
Off the kitchen is an ideal mudroom for the coats and boots, linking the home with the back garden. Outside, there is a practical brick-paved area, connecting the veggie beds and potting sheds to the house. Beyond that, there are large sheds, great for storing hay, the tractor and room for the workshop. Try your hand at cider making, there is a large group in the area who all share their joy of fermented apples, regularly catching up and assisting each other.
The orchard is in great shape, producing good quality apples. Sold at the markets in the Autumn, the remainder of the year simply requires you to tend to the orchard as required, such an idyllic way of life. There are pastures too, to cut your hay and run some animals or scope to increase the orchard size. Whatever a simplified country lifestyle looks like for you, this property is sure to provide a slower paced healthy living option.
Castle Forbes Bay is a picturesque community between two very quaint towns, Geeveston to the south and Franklin to the north. Both provide your basics and some great eateries. The main hub of the Huon Valley is 15 minutes north at Huonville, where you will find all your larger town shops and services. All this is only around 45 minutes south of Hobart.
Please contact us for more information or to arrange a private viewing.
