28 High Street, Oatlands, Tas 7120

'The Manse' - c1860 - First Time Offered in 184 Years.

The Georgian vernacular is commonly found in the very early settlements of Sydney, as well as throughout Tasmania.  Oatlands, in the Midlands of Tasmania, is no exception, and is well known for having the largest collection of Colonial and Georgian buildings in the Southern Hemisphere.  'The Manse' is an important and remarkable example of the quintessential country house.  It's architectural elegance, simplicity and uncomplicated symmetry, has been much admired since the time it was built.  Today, we are proud to offer this significant property to the public, for the first time in 184 years.

The Manse was built in 1860 as a wedding gift, by George Wilson of Mount Seymour, for his daughter Margaret and son-in-law Reverend  Lachlan Campbell.  Designed by Architects Davidson and Spong of Hobart, it is considered one of the finest examples of Victorian Late Georgian architecture in Southern Tasmania.  The Manse, is a symmertical, large two storey stone house, with two rear single storey original extensions, which form a small courtyard.  Wilson also contributed largely to the building of the church next door, before The Manse.  After Reverend Campbell died in 1907, the family negotiated with the Trustees, and eventually purchased The Manse for £1,100 pounds.  It remained a residence for ministers serving the Oatlands Presbyterian Parish, however, in the 1940's it briefly housed the Women's Land Army.  In 1953, potatoes were grown on the adjoining 1.5 acres to raise funds for improvements on the manse and church.  The Uniting Church has now decided to publicly list The Manse for sale. 

The scene is set with the stately two storey residence standing behind two century old English Oak trees and a long path to the front door.  The impressive entrance vestibule and hallway, lead you to a number of beautifully appointed formal and informal living rooms of generous proportions.  The kitchen is fully functional, with good natural light, bench space and cabinetry.  Beyond the kitchen is a huge wing of the property, which would be the perfect space for a wonderful country kitchen with casual dining and a living area.  The opposite wing houses a laundry, bathroom and what is believed to be the original kitchen.  Between the two wings sits a gorgeous, enclosed courtyard, underground well, and an entry gate leading out into the garden.  The staircase leads to a spacious landing, four bedrooms and a bathroom.  All the fine architectural features associated with a residence of this significance have been retained - cedar joinery, panelled doors, wide timber flooring, open fireplaces and surrounds, cedar window shutters with original security bars, quoins, smooth ashlar, sandstone and tall sandstone chimneys.

The Manse is situated on 1973m2 of land, with extensive lawns, flowering bulbs and established shrubs and oaks.  There is a two car garage and the property is serviced by all town services.  The property is located in the historic Georgian township of Oatlands, known for its numerous heritage listed buildings, from quaint sandstone cottages, to large homesteads, stores and churches.  Minutes away is the Callington Mill and Distillery, art galleries, antique stores, the Aquatic Centre, cafes and eateries, and the famous Jardin Room and Provincial Interiors.  Hobart and Hobart Airport are just an hours drive away, and nearby are the historic townships of Ross, Kempton and Richmond.

The Manse offers an exciting opportunity to secure an architecturally and historically important landmark country house.  Suitable as a gracious permanent family home, it would also be the perfect weekend country escape, or a blank canvas for a heritage enthusiast embarking on a cosmetic house restoration or garden project (STCA).  The possibilities are endless.

For further information or to arrange a private inspection, please contact - Dominic Romeo on - 0438 500 277 or email - [email protected]