If the walls of this old Federation home could talk, they’d have much to tell. Photo: One Agency.
When the new owners of 23 Buttenshaw Drive, Coledale purchase the home, they’ll be handed a 20-page narrative on its rich history, courtesy of the current owner.
“Over the years when previous owners or descendants have dropped by they all had interesting anecdotes to contribute about living here. I didn’t want these to be lost,” they say. “I also added some information from the land titles office.”
Evidence of its fascinating past is embedded in the home itself, which is set on a sprawling parcel of 2234 sqm of land across three titles.
Built in the early 1900s, “Rothesay”, as it’s known, was owned by North Bulli Colliery in Coledale, and was reputedly the home of the mine manager Thomas Cater.
Brick Federation in style, with some Victorian design elements, it was built facing east towards the sea.
With the picturesque escarpment as a backdrop, the four-bedroom home is privately positioned back from the street, behind a front hedge and surrounded by beautiful gardens and mature trees, giving it the rare combination of elevation and complete privacy.
“We’ve had a lot of enquiry about this home and a lot of it was local, and I think that’s because it’s so rare to have a private acreage like this on level, usable land,” selling agent Andrew Hedley of One Agency Thirroul says.
“Not to mention, it’s a unique chance to own a piece of history.”
Elevated above the main fray of traffic in Coledale, many of the home’s drawcards lie in the surrounding land and gardens, which include traditional features and a stunning oak tree planted in 1951 from a seed acquired in India by the then owners on their voyage from England to Australia. A large red cedar was planted by the current owners.
“It’s peaceful and quiet, and we’ve enjoyed watching the occasional echidna wandering about. It’s very much a place where you can experience nature,” the owner says.
“We have a pond and the bowerbirds visit; we put blue things out for them. We’re visited by king parrots, catbirds, whipbirds, and you can see the black cockatoos flying across the escarpment.”
All this can be enjoyed at length from the roomy north-facing covered side verandah, which is drenched in sunshine. Here, the current owners have spent much time over the years entertaining friends to the sounds of surf and birdsong.
“We’ve held a lot of dinners there and it’s lovely, even when it rains,” the owner says. “We put a daybed out there, and have enjoyed many a cuppa in the winter sun. There’s a fairly flat lawn area, so there were a lot of childhood cricket games. It’s been a beautiful place to live.”
The home has not one but three working fireplaces to cosy up to. Photo: One Agency.
Inside, the home itself has retained many of its historic features from over the years and is characterised by high ceilings, ornate cornices, ceiling roses and picture rails.
The flexible layout includes what the current owners call “the piano room” next to the kitchen, which could just as easily be a formal dining room or additional bedroom.
The eat-in country-style kitchen has modern appliances, with French doors opening onto a terrace. A utility room off the kitchen provides extra storage.
The lounge room enjoys northern sunshine and has a beautiful garden view, making it a lovely spot to curl up with a cuppa and a good book.
All four bedrooms have picturesque garden views, and two enjoy ocean views as well.
The bathroom is contemporary, but with a traditional feel, and there is an additional outdoor shower for use after the beach.
Year-round comfort comes courtesy of ducted reverse cycle air conditioning and three working fireplaces.
Separate to the home, a charming studio provides an additional work-from-home office, artist’s space, or a sleep-out for the teenagers.
Also independent to the main residence are a double carport and a double garage, which can house a car or can be used as a games area, with plentiful storage, an extra toilet and a sink.
The land is zoned C4, on three titles, offering flexible options (subject to council approval).
“This property has got a really broad appeal, and may attract Sydneysiders looking for a family home in this beautiful coastal suburb, someone looking for a holiday property, or a local looking to expand on their existing footprint,” Andrew says.
“There’s flexibility to modernise and extend, but I have a hunch this home will attract a buyer who wants to retain its historic charm.”
Proximity to verdant escarpment trails, pristine beaches including patrolled Coledale Beach and dog-friendly Sharky Beach and all the charms of Coledale village, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of history, nestled on hinterland by the sea.
“Coledale has, in recent times, become one of the most tightly held suburbs in northern Illawarra and that’s in no small part down to the community,” Andrew says.
“You have the lovely, quaint village, now with two very good coffee shops, Rosie’s fish and chip shop, the RSL, which is now a community hub run by volunteers – all those things make Coledale very desirable because they contribute to a show of the community values that people come here for.”
The current owner says this community vibe is one of the things she will miss most.
“This home has been in my family since 1994. Having been there 30 years we’ve seen people come and go, but there’s always a nice bond among the neighbours up here,” they say.
“Kids play on the street, people know each other and say hello.
“We’ve been really fortunate to watch our kids grow up here. Now they’ve left and it’s time to let someone else make beautiful memories here and contribute to the rolling narrative of this home.”
For more information on 23 Buttenshaw Drive, Coledale, call Andrew Hedley of One Agency Thirroul on 0410 551 554.
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