Historic convict built Hunter Valley pastoral estate listed

A historic Hunter Valley pastoral estate built by convicts 190 years ago is for sale for the first time in nearly a decade.

The 100 acre, 26-room luxury heritage estate at 7 Range Road in Whittingham - known as ‘Baroona’ or locally as ‘The Castle’ - is one of Australia’s most renowned country estates.

Since it's construction by John Lanarch and Co in 1829 it has had only seven custodians, with the current owners, Tony and Gaylene Poke, putting the property up for sale after eight years of ownership via agents Deborah Cullen of Knight Frank Prestige and James Callinan of Colliers International Newcastle.

Ms Cullen said “The estate is in pristine condition – it has been beautifully maintained and recently upgraded by the current owners,” she said. “The refurbishment was designed to showcase Baroona’s stunning history and Victorian architecture while including a stylish blend of contemporary upgrades to create a ‘best in class’ luxury country estate,” she said.

Set on 100 acres of grazing country watered by seven dams and town water, it is on the doorstep of the lifestyle region of the Upper Hunter, situated just south of the Hunter Valley town of Singleton and only 15 minutes’ drive from the Pokolbin Wine Region.

Mr Callinan said the property would attract a wide range of buyers, from Australia and overseas.

She also suggested it would be suitable as a commercial venture.

The seven bedroom, five bathroom home is only an hour from Newcastle and its airport

Features include a deep and covered flagged sandstone verandah, carved double cedar front doors, a wine cellar (which was once used as holding cells), swimming pool and billiard room.

Aside from the main residence, outhouses include an observation tower, glasshouse, gate house, carriage house and Victorian gothic stable, which was the birthplace and final resting place for the famous race horse and winner of two Melbourne cups ‘Peter Pan’ between 1932 and 1934.

It is for sale via an expressions of interest campaign closing February 20.