Behind the glitz and glamour you see on show today, "Hallgreen" hides a colourful past with talk of underground tunnels, accidental fires, ghosts and hidden rooms from generations who have been privileged enough to call this incredible property their home! Beneath the upper level which has been beautifully restored by the current owners to exacting standards, lies almost another house constructed of stone - formerly the servants quarters - where the past dating back to 1825, really comes to life! While we say four bedrooms, this home could easily become a nine bedroom home using the existing additional rooms downstairs.
Stories of a gardener accidently setting fire to himself while smoking in bed downstairs, almost making him a contender for the modern-day Darwin Awards (luckily he survived!). Or the surgeon owner who was known to lock his poor wife in the garden shed saying she was hysterical and believed this would help her melancholia! And the underground tunnel that supposedly links to another property within the township - to name a few tales.
The authenticity, ambience and scale of this whole lower level is unmatched by almost any heritage residence across Tasmania. This is where it gets exciting! Imagine what you could do with these 9 rooms, showcasing the original flagstone flooring in the hallway, convict brick walls and original pit-sawn floorboards…as a starting point? The 1820's kitchen still features the original cast iron range, scullery and drying rooms. In that moment, you really feel like you have stepped back in time to the early 1800's.
The contrast between upstairs and down could not be greater. Luxury, opulence and a French classical style through the upper level has been incorporated to complement the Old Colonial Georgian architecture and create a highly polished, classy, functional and easy-care lifestyle. Downstairs, the rooms are original, unpolished, natural and in some parts, might need some work if you wanted to make them more "comfortable" while still retaining the raw beauty and the heritage of these spaces.
Adjoining the Esplanade with a stunning outlook and garden setting, "Hallgreen" in its entirety, would make the perfect venue for weddings - a setting where you can easily imagine garden parties were held in the 1800's for the townships' elite as the River glistens in the background. With a second title included in the property, and draft sketches for a myriad of possibilities including three suites on the lower level for those considering accommodation options for extended family or guests, this unforgettable historic property could open up a whole world of entrepreneurial possibilities! Historic tours, garden cafe, garden nursery, function venue, bed and breakfast or just your own special family residence...the options are limited only by your ambition and subject to Council approvals - of course.
Upstairs, two of the four bedrooms upstairs are huge - originally built by a surgeon for his family of 14 children - providing exceptional spaces for large families. The third and fourth bedrooms accommodate children or, could be used as a his and hers study perfectly. The drawing room, which feels more like a ballroom, captures one of the many "Wow" moments as you walk through this amazing home. Stunning architectural features are on show at each turn, all highlighted by the classical lighting, practical new "French Oak" parquetry flooring in Versailles pattern throughout and the relaxing, romantic colour scheme.
The gourmet kitchen with impressive island Onyx bench, has been designed to be practical yet stylish. A butlers pantry provides the ideal space for those hidden extras and three electric ovens in the aptly styled cooker, mean you will have ample space and functionality when entertaining guests.
Two balconies, each overlook the panoramic garden and river vistas, provide the perfect place to relax and enjoy the northerly sun, while the enclosed rear courtyard would suit a small dog - when they are not inside. The opulence upstairs continues into the bathrooms, each with all the modern luxuries you hope for, but not expect in a home of this era. There's even a glamorous dressing room that will be the envy of all your friends! A third separate powder room off the spacious laundry services guests and also is accessible from the rear courtyard.
A large workshop downstairs is ample for housing the varied implements necessary to maintain the botanic-like gardens. Complete with reticulated lawns, fruit trees, beautiful garden beds and the most magnificent Magnolia tree that flowers most of the year, there is a kaleidoscope of colour year round. When you want more fresh produce and more floral colour, there's the large reticulated hothouse which is waiting to excel at what it does best!
Nothing about "Hallgreen" has been left to chance. The history, which makes for a great night in reading curled up in front of the fire, is rich and intriguing! Questions arise and you are left wanting to know more about this incredible property and the families that have been lucky enough to call this unique historic property their home.
The possibilities are exciting for a home based business, the opportunities are only limited by your imagination for how you might write the next chapter in the story of "Hallgreen"...and you can only imagine the hidden secrets you might discover along the way!
This property is definately worth viewing to fully appreciate the timeless beauty and incredible privacy that is carefully hidden from public view.
