This 187-year-old historic Windsor home, originally built for Blue Mountains explorer William Cox, has a colourful past including once hosting an international cricket match.
The grand residence known as ‘Fairfield House’ set on a 0.78ha estate has been on and off the market over the past two years, with its current owners now looking to downsize from their ‘manor born’ lifestyle.
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Agent Morris Short from RE/MAX Xtra Parramatta said it was a matter of finding the right buyer for the three-bedroom property, which has a local heritage listing and was more recently used as a wedding reception venue.
It is expected to sell in the high $3 million to early $4 million price range.
Entering the majestic Georgian-style home is like stepping back in time with its large portico, tessellated tiled entry and cedar door with monogrammed acid-etched glass window.
“It is just absolutely gorgeous, internally the house does need a lot of work and externally it just needs paint,” Mr Short said.
“We’ve had strong interest and had quite a few people through it and looking at it for all sorts of reasons including boutique resorts and we are still in discussions.
“If the gardens were restored it would be absolutely magnificent.”
The home was originally built for William Cox back in 1833. The English explorer and pastoralist built the first road from Emu Plains across the Blue Mountains to Bathurst.
Among the home’s features is a spectacular reception room of yesteryear proportions with elevated skylight, ornate ceilings, parquetry flooring and chandeliers. There is a pair of striking coloured glass windows, while tapestries hang on the walls.
The glamorous room still has the large brackets of Florentine gilt, which was originally used to hold candles to light the area.
It is believed one time resident Henry McQuade, Manager of Her Majesty’s Theatre in Sydney, would lavishly entertain his theatrical celebrity friends at the property in circa 1866.
There is also a beautiful drawing room with cedar framed windows, architraves and skirting boards. One of its standout inclusions is an original white Italian Carrara marble fireplace with wrought iron kangaroo and emu detail.
There are three bedrooms located on the upper level of the home.
The estate, located at 21 Fairfield Ave, can also lay claim to hosting an international game of cricket when England played there against the Hawkesbury XI. The game, held in 1882, reportedly drew a crowd of around 1000 spectators.
With a R2 and RE2 zoning, the property could have multiple uses such as day spa, convention centre, aged care facility or a wedding reception venue, subject to council approval.
Mr Morris said it could also remain as a private residence.
It has DA approval for a tennis court to be added to the property, while it has direct access to an-18 hole championship golf course located next door.
Originally published as Windsor: Landmark historic estate, Fairfield House, dating back to 1833 listed for sale
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