Bentley, at the foot of the Great Western Tiers, is recognised as one of Australia's finest homes, offering a stately 913m2 of living space and surrounded by an unsurpassed heritage listed landscape one of the first heritage landscapes to be listed in Australia. The moment you enter the long drive, a sense of Arcadian tranquillity overcomes you as you catch a glimpse of the sprawling white edifice of the old homestead through the oaks and poplars. This is Bentley a distinguished family country house with no peer.
Bentley is a house of architectural, historic and social importance. It was originally a land grant to John Badcock Gardiner in 1829 and then passed to the Oakden family. In 1866, Donald Cameron purchased the property. Four years later, his son Donald Norman Cameron took control of the estate, and in 1879, built the Victorian residence which now forms the current front of the homestead. Cameron became an important public figure, and with his brother Cyril Cameron held the balance of power in the Commonwealth Senate as independent Free Trade senators for Tasmania. Cameron family legend has it that the decision to make Canberra the national capital was reached at a Cabinet Meeting in the dining room at Bentley. Cameron lived here until he passed away in 1931. In 2002, the Hawkins family purchased Bentley and restored and extended the original homestead with a replica of the original, linked by a central conservatory beneath a Regency dome inspired by the Royal Pavilion at Brighton. The Camerons (descendants of the original Donald Cameron) purchased the property in 2020 and are now offering the homestead and outbuildings with 56 acres.
Cherished as a family home for generations, this impressive residence welcomes you via a grand entry hall that leads to a number of beautifully appointed principal reception rooms, including the drawing and dining rooms, study, billiard room/bedroom, bathrooms, and 3 further bedrooms. Beyond the formal rooms is the kitchen complete with a large Aga, huon pine cabinetry, workbenches, pantry and family room. The mud room leads to the laundry and a bathroom with stairs leading to a large bedroom and 2 storage rooms. There is a generous 2 car garage and an enclosed refuse area.
A unique and imposing 10.6m x 10m conservatory connects a large library, second main entry, 2 large bedrooms with ensuites and a huge studio perfect as a gymnasium, boardroom or office.
The historic 1870's home retains its period distinction with deep verandahs, marble fireplaces, decorative rosettes and cornices, sash windows, superior joinery and long hallways. Further classical features are evident in the thoughtfully extended section of the original residence and richly layered with high ceilings, French doors, and timber flooring. All rooms and wall spaces are perfect for artwork, antiques and artifacts.
The low maintenance garden surrounding the homestead is enclosed by a 700m dry stone wall. Within the walls are sweeping lawns, mature trees and a range of outbuildings including an impressive Orangery c. 2013 designed by John and Robyn Hawkins, large barn, machinery sheds with a unique clock tower, a coach house with accommodation and bathroom, stables, stable yard and dog pen. The brick barn has space for a multiple car collection or extra garaging, and there is ample landing space for a helicopter. Beyond the dry stone wall is an orchard and 56 acres of fertile land suitable for grazing. The residence is serviced by mains power,
Bentley is situated on the edge of the historic township of Chudleigh and only a 10 minute drive to the township of Deloraine, 35 mins from the Port of Devonport and Devonport Airport, 45 mins to Launceston and Launceston Airport.
Tasmania is rapidly emerging as a destination of choice-regarded globally as a safe haven with a pristine environment and a temperate climate. Amongst this claim, Bentley stands as one of the most distinguished homesteads in Australia. The property not only offers a truly remarkable private family estate but is equally suitable as a luxurious weekender or an exclusive luxury accommodation venture. Your legacy awaits.
For sale via Private Treaty.
Inspections strictly by appointment
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