HISTORIC COUNTRY RETREAT - MINUTES FROM THE HEART OF THE CITY - $1900000

Description

Albert House stands alone as one of the districts most outstanding Georgian style sandstone residences. This home is a unique combination of a country retreat and entertainers delight in a unforgettably peaceful position with major historical significance and yet only minutes from North Sydney CBD and the city. As the 19th century drew to a close, so too did the original Albert Hotel, one of North Sydney's earliest drinking establishments. Perhaps the city's first recycling activity: two brothers toiled tirelessly to bring each convict-hewn sandstone block by bullock cart to a parcel of land that, to this day, remains a serene slice of the Southern Highlands - only 3 minutes from one of the world's great cities. The exquisite interior and the history of Albert House with many original features make this home totally unique. If "Albert House" could talk, it would have more than a few stories to tell; of the history, the visitors and residents who have played a part in the home's past. Like the story behind the stunning French marble mantle, reclaimed from a local mansion, now crowning the hearth in the formal lounge; a room that opens to covered sandstone verandah through classic French doors; timber-panelled ceilings rising above warm wooden floors. Or the meals enjoyed beneath patterned ceilings in the formal dining room. You would believe that they had been prepared in the same country-style kitchen that remains today if it weren't for contemporary touches and the best in stainless-steel gourmet appliances. Outside the kitchen's French doors resides a quiet, north-facing paved courtyard; host to myriad varieties of local birds and wildlife. This home is an entertainer's paradise! Lush tropical gardens and dry stone walls surround the residence; al-fresco sitting and dining areas ensconced among the deep green foliage, the water feature and fruit trees; hidden steps and sitting areas cut into the surrounding sandstone escarpment. Adjoining the master bedroom is a spacious polished floor wooden verandah, for the cool breeze and quiet retreat and overlooks a parkland setting to the east to catch the morning sun and to the north the district hills of Neutral Bay. The second bedroom gathers sun from a north-facing window and the bathroom has been finished in keeping with the period style. The light filled queenslander style gallery runs the length of much of the upper floor, introducing you to a Balinese-style tropical setting with a covered entertaining area that can host up to 30 guests. The third double bedroom on the upper level has white timber ceilings and a beautiful original cast iron fireplace. It is currently being used as a music room and study. The fourth bedroom opens to north-facing Juliette balcony which overlooks another tropical vista, tumbling down from the rocky escarpment. With only pathways front and back, and parkland starting at the property's front step, this home is ideal for families of any age. Being so close to North Sydney station puts schools on both sides of the Bridge within easy reach, and shops, restaurants and cafes are all just a short stroll.