No.63 School Rd, Sandford. Picture: Supplied
“I LIKE a challenge.”
This was the succinct answer that the owner of this property gave the Mercury when asked about its appeal.
When the property owners bought No.63 School Rd in 2019, it was a bit of a ramshackle offering.
Parts of the late 1890s school building were evident, and an extension had commenced but remained unfinished.
What came next was truly remarkable.
The new owner, a builder by trade, created one of the most amazing homes on Hobart’s Eastern Shore.
He started by gutting the building, before breathing new life into it.
2019, in need of some TLC.
2019, an update was starting to take shape.
Today, a visit to this Sandford home reveals some nods to the past, such as the gorgeous brick fireplace, the sandstone footings, and the tall ceilings.
In the loungeroom, a black and white picture from the early 1900s takes pride of place.
But the rest of the home? That’s dedicated to the finest modern living that a family could dream of.
From high-end kitchen appliances to plush carpets and custom lighting; from electric remote-controlled blinds to a lavish master bedroom with an ensuite and a walk-in wardrobe.
A home with wow factor.
Sunny and superb.
Family living.
“The mix of old and new was appealing. When we bought the property it needed a lot of work, but I saw something special in it,” the owner said.
“The weatherboard exterior wall is in keeping with the school feel of the building.
“And the fire pit bricks were convict bricks recycled from the building.”
Hobart being Hobart — a place where everyone knows everyone — the owner knows people with links to this building.
“My dad went to this school,” he said.
“He and my aunt would ride their horses to school.”
Historic charms.
Every detail is perfect.
Anita Fitze from Petrusma Property said No.63 would be perfect for buyers looking for some land, but not too much.
“At one acre, it is a great size, easy to look after,” she said. “It is also an extremely quiet and private property, particularly the outdoor entertainment area.
“My favourite part of the property is the living room with the curved glass wall. It is fabulous all year round.”
Mrs Fitze described the home’s renovation as superb.
“Just seeing how much went into it and the quality of the workmanship … it’s faultless, absolutely amazing.”
Entry into the home is via the front veranda or around the side passing by a paved courtyard.
There are three bedrooms at the front of the home, including the master.
Yes, that tiled wall is curved.
The luxury of space.
Take a stroll upstairs to discover a great attic for storage or as currently configured, to give children a special place to play.
Back downstairs, there is a family dining room to the left, home to an original handmade brick fireplace equipped with an electric fire that is in keeping with the historic part of the property.
To the right is a large median room or lounge.
Straight ahead off the hall is a stunning kitchen, the living room and the main bathroom with another impressive curved wall, freestanding bathtub, step-in shower and underfloor heating.
Positioned in the heart of the home, the satin white kitchen has Caesarstone benchtops and top quality integrated appliances.
In the olden days.
More curves.
Its perfect position will allow an entertainer to cook up a feast without losing track of the conversation in the living room or outdoor entertainment area.
Outside, there is wrapped decking, a courtyard, the open fire pit, and a built-in barbecue.
The large garage, shed and oversized carport is a similar size to some houses at 147sq m. It has a toilet, workshop areas, a car hoist, storage and so much space for boats, a motor home and a lawnmower.
The Tangra Trail is easily accessible from No.63 — perfect for walking, biking, or a horse riding enthusiast.
No.63 School Rd, Sandford is listed with Petrusma Property, it will be sold by expression of interest closing on July 11.