HISTORIC “FOREST HALL” c.1845

It is with good reason William Bonnily chose this elevated site to build his family home in c.1845. The views over the gardens of Forest Hall, its fertile farmland and the Western Tiers, are truly breath taking.

Whether it is the romance of owning the quintessential country family home, or our desire to move away from sprawling cities for a more relaxed life or the dream weekend escape, properties associated with our early colonial past are highly sought after. This Georgian vernacular is only found in the very early settlements of Sydney and throughout Tasmania. Forest Hall offers you an extraordinary opportunity to secure one of Tasmania’s important and most admired Georgian country houses and gardens.

The 2 storey 365m2 residence, convict built of local rubble stone, is both gracious and imposing. The wide entrance hall leads you to a series of beautifully proportioned formal and informal living rooms. The kitchen at Forest Hall has character, with exposed beams, picture perfect views, stone walls, bread oven, cast-iron Aga and large dining area. The ground floor also includes a butler’s pantry and laundry / bathroom. The spiral staircase leads you to three spacious bedrooms all with magnificent views, two bathrooms, nursery/study and steps leading to a large attic space which can be easily converted into further bedrooms, office or living area. Above the kitchen is access to the convicts’ quarters comprising of two bedrooms, living room, storage room and a bathroom. The wine and produce cellarage is a complex of three rooms.

Exceptional architectural features and detailing associated with a residence of this significance run throughout the house including, high ceilings, cedar joinery, panelled doors, wide flooring, cedar fire surrounds, French doors, symmetrical 12-paned windows, a fine spiral staircase with curved cedar panelling, and a unique handsome stair light with 18 panes. The wide front double door has large side lights and a fanlight with curved glazing bars. The stone exterior includes sandstone quoining, stone sills and lintels.

The established woodland garden is one of the states most admired. Planted during the 1840’s, the gardens were further enhanced and designed by expert gardener and author – Susan Irvine during the 1990’s. The grounds are abundant with scarlet oaks, elms, magnolia’s, larches, yews, expansive grass lawns, hawthorn hedging, daffodil paddocks, crab apple walk, rhododendrons, and secret gardens. The outbuildings add to the village feel and include historic stables, a split shingle hay barn, garage, ex dairy and blacksmiths hut. The paddocks are fully fenced and include an equestrian arena for the horse enthusiasts.

The 9.194 ha (22.72 acres) property is serviced by tank water, septic tanks, mains power, heating and 3 phase power.

Forest Hall is situated 10 kms West of the historic township of Deloraine, a township known for its numerous heritage listed buildings, stores, churches, public buildings and numerous retail shops, cafes, eateries and pubs. The Georgian villages and hamlets of Westbury and Hagley are nearby. The city of Launceston and the airport is a short 45-minute drive.

Tasmanian property associated with our early social and architectural colonial past is strongly sought after. Forest Hall represents a unique opportunity to secure one of Tasmania’s important and most admired Georgian country houses – perfect as a weekend escape, private country house or for the astute investor looking at a commercial pursuit.

For further information or to arrange a private inspection, please contact Dominic Romeo on 0438 500 277 or email – dominicromeo@circaheritageandlifestyle.com.au.