By Carole Levy
This rare and wonderful Georgian Colonial house built in 1870 has been carefully restored, with all the period details intact. Named Cluain Meala (Gaelic for “Honey Meadow”), the house is a dreamy one, with charm oozing from every nook and cranny – but with an eye for today’s demands, executed sympathetically.
Beyond a verandah that wraps three sides, entry is to a hallway where the same period features as throughout are first revealed: 3.6-metre pressed metal ceilings with ornate cornices, pressed metal dado panels, deep skirts and wide Baltic floorboards. The sash windows still have their original hand-rolled glass and doors with original fittings are still in place.
Two fitted bedrooms, with fireplaces and mantelpieces, flank the entry hall. Windows, as all through, are dressed in French drapes with Laura Ashley fabric.
A glass-panelled door then ushers in the lounge room, which has a cast-iron Heatmaster fireplace (with mantelpiece) that dramatically increases efficiency while still looking just right. There’s also a French chandelier adding its blingy drama.
A dining room/library next door has another fireplace which is flanked by bookshelves. A door opens from here to the west-facing verandah which looks out to dense gardens, planted with roses and many bulbs – and there’s a water fountain.
At the back, flanking a step-down vestibule, are the bathroom and kitchen. The large bathroom has a claw-foot tub, heated towel rails, a modern vanity and shower and concealed laundry. Travertine tiles line the floor, as they do in the kitchen.
The kitchen-diner, with two cast-iron chandeliers, has a walk-in pantry, a glorious Aga gas range, a butler’s sink, travertine benches, cabinetry with recycled porcelain handles and a gorgeous leadlight casement window. A door opens from the kitchen to the west-facing verandah where a brick-paved patio below is another spot to sit in the garden.
A charming travertine-tiled morning room is tucked behind the kitchen.
A spacious deck out back is the spot for shady summers. It takes in views of a yard with fruit trees.
Other features include hydronic heating throughout, a Colorbond double garage with three-phase power, external awnings, vegie patches and town gas and water. This lovely old dame is within a stroll of shops.
Carole Levy
