This wonderful family home has been an Armidale treasure since it was first built in 1886. Today, after extensive renovation, it would regarded by many as the best town residence in the New England. It has only ever been sold on a handful of occasions in its 127 year history.
Clearly, this sale now represents a once in a generation opportunity to secure a property of such quality, prestige and position.

The Turrets was originally built for a Mrs Higginbotham, one of the Richardson family daughters, by the respected local builder H Lotham. She was lucky enough to have her father pay for the construction. Her husband, Mr Higginbotham, went on to manage the Richardson store and eventually became Mayor of Armidale. They occupied the property for the next 30 some years. The home was subsequently sold after the Great War to the Forsythe family who then held it for more than half a century.

The Turrets was constructed using Armidale blue brick in the Victorian Italianate style and incorporates 3 spectacular turreted bay windows. Interior features include glorious formal rooms, significant marble fireplaces and highly detailed cornices throughout. Housed in a recess in the entry foyer is a bronze figure, which is of particular interest. The formal sitting room has a combustion fire and offers views over a wonderful covered courtyard, ideal for entertaining family and friends. The dining room has its own open fire place and is large to accommodate even the most expansive of dinner parties.

The kitchen has been designed with the most discerning chef in mind. The stainless-steel appliances include two Smeg fan forced ovens and a 5 burner Smeg cook top, all are located in a central island bar and serviced by an overhead Quasair extractor fan . Storage is plentiful with a double pantry incorporating a free standing refrigerator and a freezer. The laundry is adjacent to the kitchen and includes under floor heating and oodles of storage. A study is also located near the kitchen and includes cupboards, desk top and a safe. A rear courtyard and car port provides easy parking and direct access to the kitchen.

The home offers 4 bedrooms (three King and a Queen) and 4 bathrooms, all of which have under floor heating. Two of the King rooms have adjoining sunrooms and the third has en-suite facilities. Marble fireplaces have been retained in all the bedrooms.

The property nestles beautifully on a 2,207 m2 site in central South Armidale and contains many interesting architectural and garden elements. The ornate front gates and sweeping gravel driveway are outstanding features. A self contained studio, The Folly, has been renovated and could be utilised as an exceptional office, recreation or private space. A large 6 car parking area is located here as well. The garden itself is quite exceptional and includes extensive terracing, mature trees, beautiful hedges and a plethora or roses, camellias, lilacs and many others.

The current owner has prepared plans for a significant extension to the property which has now been DA consented. These plans include a re-purposing of some rooms, a new conservatory, lap pool, garaging and an office complex. The time, effort and cost of having these plans prepared and approved should not be under-estimated.

The Turrets will never be replicated or surpassed. The only question now is who will be the lucky new custodian, perhaps for the next 50 years?