Dreams of living as nobles in the French countryside are manifested in exquisite detail in this revered Southern Highlands chateau, completed in 2000 in true 17th Century manner.
Before we consider the magnificence of the architecture, it must be stressed that this is an incredibly rare opportunity to acquire 14.5 pristine acres this close to town, which is only a few minutes' drive away. The proposition becomes all the richer when we try to comprehend the passion and expense invested in making this dream a reality in such robust form and fine detail.
Entry is granted through 300-year-old electric carriage way gates, where a winding driveway lined with London plane trees brings us to the home. It is set a vast distance from the roads in either direction to ensure absolute serenity, while offering a supreme view over Centennial Vineyards.
Up close, they look and feel like thick castle walls, formed from rammed earth sourced from a local quarry. Providing a modern solution to the timeless dilemma of heating a chateau, the home also boasts a residential geothermal system. This combined with a formidable 60kW solar system, gives you the freedom to live off the grid.
Lavishly presented, the home is a stunning entertainer. To give your guests the royal treatment, invite them into the grand foyer, where a lens of coloured glazing covers the oculus. Moving from one stately living room to another, the imported antique fixtures - chandeliers, lanterns, doors, shutters and more - evoke classic French charm that brings the dream to life.
Several rooms offer space to sit around a fire, a Baroque dining room with a 5m Elizabethan table offers an intimate setting for dinners, while the large French kitchen offers abundant space for family gatherings, as well as an outlook over the gorgeous rose garden.
Amidst its eccentricities, the residence possesses a warm soul that fully embraces the family's desire to relax, create and experience authentic 'joire de vivre'. The bedrooms of the west wing all enjoy marvelous outlooks over the estate and are set close to the pool pavilion and several paddocks.
There is so much more to be revealed at Chateau Blondel, located in close proximity to the town centres of Bowral, Berrima and Mittagong. It's a 70-minute commute from Sydney Airport and two hours from Canberra. Private inspection only.
- 4 Bed | 3 Bath | 4 Car
- After 18th Century architect Jacques-Francois Blondel - Academie Royale D'Architecture
- Residence unfolds across a single level of approximately 1,000 square metres, with dramatic impact 3.6m ceilings
- Majestic master suite with walk in wardrobe, drawing room currently used as a techno gym
- Bathrooms have imported brass tapware and lanterns, main features a clawfoot bathtub
- 30 imported chandeliers, rich flooring of granite, marble and Axminster triple-ply carpet
- Cloak room, cellar, huge gourmet kitchen with ILVE stove, wine fridge, adjoining scullery
- French doors open to a selection of outdoor retreats, with grand terrace admiring the roses
- Elegant pavilion with saltwater pool heated to 35 degrees for year-round enjoyment
- Driveway leads to either the port-cochere, or grand forecourt offering parking for 30 cars
- Internal access to double garage and utilities control, work shed and machinery garage
- Geothermal system by Southern Highlands' leading expert
- Back-to-base security, Bluetooth control of the gates, nearby bus to the Frensham School
- Elegant rose garden ensures that you have fresh flowers available throughout the year
- English Suffolk sheep and alpacas, four paddocks post & rail, two dams, two rainwater tanks
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