26 October 2024

Stately and storied, 'Karawarra' hits the market for only the second time in over a century

| Dione David
Start the conversation
Conservatory at 73 Rose Valley Road in Rose Valley

The “conservatory” is drenched in sunlight. Photo: South Coast Prestige Properties.

Poised like a stately monument to rural charm, 73 Rose Valley Road, Rose Valley has hit the market for only the second time in over a century.

“Karawarra” is a stunning estate of multiple unique structures, all rich in character features that hint at its long and storied past.

Across 13 acres of parkland-like grounds, expansive level lawns, native woodlands, lakes and manicured gardens in the stunning Rose Valley, the property comprises the main homestead, a stone cottage and a gym/guest accommodation, all beautifully renovated.

Craig Higbid of South Coast Prestige Properties was unsurprised by the strong response when the property hit the market, given its versatility.

“This property could just as easily be a weekend retreat for a well-heeled individual as it could be a special events venue or Airbnb for an entrepreneur,” he says.

Main residence at 73 Rose Valley Road in Rose Valley

Karawarra sits resplendent on 13 acres. Photo: South Coast Prestige Properties.

Built in 1913, the main residence has been lovingly restored by the current owners, who have seamlessly introduced every conceivable modern convenience while preserving its historical charm.

Characterised by high ceilings with ornate cornices, parquetry flooring, stonework and bay and feature windows, the home oozes character from every corner.

The new owners will appreciate the conversion of the original fireplaces to Jetmaster gas, the bespoke joinery of the highest quality, original casements restored and fitted with new door and window furniture and bath and powder rooms dressed in marble, granite and period-inspired tapware.

Four spacious bedrooms, including a master suite with a luxurious ensuite and dressing room, feature direct access to the home’s deep and shady wraparound verandah of native tallowwood. The fourth bedroom has a private sunroom.

The home features a formal living room, library and hobby/services room, but its enviable northern aspect is perhaps most apparent in the large open-plan kitchen and dining “conservatory-style” extension. Awash in natural light, this is the perfect spot to curl up with a cuppa and read or listen to music or to entertain guests in fine fashion.

The climate-controlled main homestead boasts a further three informal living areas, delivering multiple, generous spaces for family living and entertaining.

In addition to the homestead “The Dairy”, built in the mid-1800s from bluestone quarried locally, was originally a residence and later served as the “cream separating room” in the property’s days as a working farm.

Meticulously restored, it now features a reverse cycle climate control system, a beautifully appointed kitchen, a bathroom and a laundry room.

“This stone cottage has DA approval to add another two bedrooms,” Craig says. “The structures on this property are all well placed to afford privacy should it become a short-let venture or a multigenerational dwelling.”

Surrounding the building is a deep shady verandah of tallowwood, framed by beautifully planted garden beds.

Adding to the intrigue of this estate, “The Silo” was built in the early 2000s as a functional and versatile complex to complement an attached original farm grain silo.

Lake and fig tree at 73 Rose Valley Road in Rose Valley

The grounds are like a private botanic garden. Photo: South Coast Prestige Properties.

This barn-style building with its distinctive cupola features a drive-in, drive-out double garage designed for easy manoeuvring of trailers and horse floats. It also provides extensive storage and car space parking for a further two cars and a large workshop, in addition to a spacious guest or staff accommodation or games/gymnasium area, complete with ensuite facilities and a kitchenette.

But Karawarra’s charms extend well beyond its many beautiful structures. Whether you’re after the shade of a historic fig tree, a dip in the gas-heated swimming pool and spa or some action on an Astroturfed games court, there’s a space to accommodate the experience you seek.

“The current owners have been passionate about making this home what it is today, inside and out,” Craig says. “The grounds are akin to a private botanic garden or a beautiful country park.

“It’s been the setting of a lot of beautiful memories with family and friends and they will miss it, but it’s time to find its next owners who will love it as they have.”

Karawarra is connected to the town water supply and a Biolytix septic system ensures environmentally friendly waste management on-site.

A state-of-the-art monitored security system includes 24-hour live video surveillance and recording facilities and can be controlled using either smartphone or computer so that the alarm system, front gates and garage doors can be remotely operated. Wireless NBN and satellite cable TV are available in all buildings.

The rural setting of Rose Valley sits a three-minute drive to Gerringong and Werri Beach and less than 10 minutes from Kiama.

The price guide on this home is $8.5 million.

Dubbed “Centennial Park by the Sea”, Karawarra offers the best of its charms coupled with convenient access to local amenities.

For more information about 73 Rose Valley Road, Rose Valley, contact Craig Higbid of South Coast Prestige Properties on 0404 471 469.

Start the conversation

Daily Digest

Want the best Illawarra news delivered daily? Every day we package the most popular Illawarra stories and send them straight to your inbox. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.