Tassie property rarely reaches these heights
EVERY aspect of this Clarke Avenue home is impeccable.
From the Italian tiles, myrtle seating and glass fencing of the showstopping waterside terrace to the space-age, stainless steel garage, every inch of this grand family home feels well-considered and expertly crafted.
And then there is the prime location. The water’s edge property makes a statement the second you step inside its tall, secure front gates.
Steps lead all the way down to the front door that swings open to reveal uninterrupted Derwent River views that seem to fill every room.
For owner Bruce White, that view was the tipping point when he first looked at buying the property 16 years ago.
Working as an international pilot from Hong Kong — and originally from Tassie — Bruce and his partner wanted a Hobart base.
When they found No.14 Clarke Avenue it was a perfect match.
“The view? That was the entire thing; it’s what we loved most about the property,” he said.
At that time the home was a two-storey red brick 1940s-built house. There are a few similar ones in the area.
But Bruce clearly had a wealth of ideas for what the property could become.
To see it now transformed into a comfortable, contemporary home that makes the most of the breathtaking position is a rare treat.
Across many levels, the house has a very flexible floor plan.
On the top floor is a fabulous home office with its own special view of the water, plus a sitting room and a family room.
The first floor is home to multiple double-size bedrooms, including the master. Each bedroom has views over the Derwent, plus there are two stylish Italian-themed bathrooms with underfloor heating.
One of the bathrooms is a lavish ensuite to the spacious master bedroom, which has floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding doors that open to a private balcony.
Descend the bespoke stairs to discover the main living areas on the entry level.
Italian tiles feature in an impressive foyer leading towards the jarrah kitchen with Miele appliances, double sinks and abundant cupboards.
Storage will never be an issue — throughout the entire home.
Alongside the kitchen and waterside balcony there is a dining area and a lounge room.
Spotlights highlight the artworks that hang on the walls while a cleverly positioned mirror tricks the eye into thinking the river stretches on and on.
While all of the waterfront is remarkable, this home feels particularly fortunate to be positioned in a space tucked away from the weather yet in pole position to enjoy the action on the river, which includes yacht races and dolphins passing by.
On the lower ground level there is a sizeable storeroom, a laundry with a shower and toilet, and a 1000-bottle wine cellar.
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At the front of the space there is a family/games room area that Bruce has used as a gym in the past.
From there, the next stop is an expansive, enclosed entertaining area by the river plus a lower terrace that extends to the river bank.
The property’s title stretches to the high water mark just centimetres below.
While offering all of the space and opulent luxury an owner could dream of, the home also feels extremely private.
It also offers easy access to the delights of the city and waterfront, which is barely a 10-minute walk from No.14’s front door.
Prestige property expert Pam Corkhill said the home had generated interest far and wide, with inquiries coming from local and interstate buyers, and internationals too, including expats based in New York.
It is easy to make the case that tightly held Clark Avenue and neighbouring Napoleon Street are the finest area in Tasmania. In recent years Clark Avenue has recorded a $4m and a $4.55m sale.
And in Napoleon, there was a $3m sale last year and two in excess of $4m in 2018.
Sales at this level don’t come along often, but they certainly speak to the level of prestige and luxurious lifestyle that buyers recognise Clarke and Napoleon for.
In any year, No.14 would be one of the finest Tasmanian homes to hit the market.
When it is sold, it is certain to sit among Tassie’s top sales on record.
Battery Point’s 14 Clarke Avenue is listed with Knight Frank.