New life for a grand old Geeveston home

IT won’t be easy to let go, but the owners of Green Gate Farm are ready to pass this gorgeous Geeveston property on to its next custodian.

About four years ago, this farm house was tired and weather-beaten.

But a couple with a passion for saving beautiful things bought it, and the rest is history.

They undertook an extensive restoration, which was documented on Instagram page, “Our.Vintage.Farm”, to its 10,000 followers.

Described as a labour of love, the owners transformed the farmhouse into a Country Style-worthy dream.

The Property Culture founder and agent, Colby Bauckham, sold this home to the current owner four years ago.

“They could see the potential in this grand old home and we discussed over several meetings how they could restore her,” Ms Bauckham said.

“I’ve followed the restoration on Instagram and popped in once a year to see the progress, which has just been incredible.

“I particularly love the kitchen. The porcelain sink sits in front of a huge window that looks up to the paddocks and on a rainy, grey day, the fire crackling in the living room and this perfect country outlook … I think it’s pretty special.

“I’m so glad the home was saved. It’s easy for people to miss the potential in these gorgeous old homes when they’re tired and worn, but that’s their charm, and that’s part of what makes them such icons of the Huon Valley.”

With such a large social media following, the property was always going to grab the attention of serious buyers and people who simply love looking at classic Tasmanian properties.

Ms Bauckham said some of the inspections had been from people who knew the home in its former life and they’re “quite blown away by the transformation”.

“Overwhelmingly, buyers just think the home is beautiful. The renovations have not only been cosmetic, but also structural with a new roof and work under the floor.

“It’s made people feel that the home will be here for another 100 years.

“They feel like they’re considering buying a piece of living history and that’s quite lovely to see.

“Most of the inquiry has come from interstate buyers, predominantly from Sydney, who are looking for that quintessential tree change.

“Tasmania, and the Huon Valley, particularly, has some romance about it, and these iconic, character homes that people yearn for just don’t come up that often.”

When Green Gate Farm finds her new custodians, Ms Bauckham said the owners hope to find another renovation project in the area, but perhaps on a smaller scale.

“The owners love to save beautiful things, and I think there’s a sense that now Green Gate Farm is finished, they can pass her on knowing she’ll be loved again, and they can rescue another charming home that might have fallen into disrepair,” she said.

No.70 Fords Rd is perched at the end of a quintessential country lane, surrounded by a picturesque landscape of rolling pasture paddocks, and English-style gardens.

Originally built around 1890, the house sits on 7.9ha of lush pasture land, ideal for hobby farming.

The lower and main level of the house features two large bedrooms including a luxurious main bedroom with an ensuite and a walk-in wardrobe.

Upstairs, there is an option for one or two bedrooms and a study, depending on needs.

The living spaces were thoughtfully redesigned to capture light, warmth and the country landscape with large north-facing windows, high ceilings and a cosy wood fire.

Off the kitchen, there is a grand living and dining space or for intimate gatherings, plus a smaller living space off the main hallway.

The home is peppered with historic features such as the original brick fireplaces, skirting boards, dormer windows and doors.

The renovator’s principle was to save and preserve wherever possible, and replace only where necessary.

In the hallway, the original archway has been preserved, and a section left untouched, showing the many incarnations of wallpaper and paint used over the home’s 132 years.

Outside, a wraparound veranda has been restored to maintain the classic facade.

Rolling pasture extends behind and in front of the home. Smaller paddocks closer to the home will be perfect for calving and lambing season, while the larger paddocks offer plenty of space to roam, plus a dam for animals to drink from.

No.70 Fords Rd, Geeveston is listed with The Property Culture at “Offers over $1.45m”.

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