This imposing Armidale blue brick residence was built by William Leckie Jr. in 1914. After a series of owners, the property was bought by the Government Savings Bank of NSW in 1927 and used as their Manager’s residence. The bank held the property for the next 40 years when it was finally sold. The immediate past owners purchased the home in 1991 and over the next seven years set about additions to, and restoration of the home, as well as the construction of a superb garden. In 1996 the home won the New England Heritage and Urban Design Award in the category Restoration and Sympathetic Additions. Two years later the garden won a further award, this time in the category of Landscaping Works: Garden Reconstruction and Renovation. Subsequently, the home has won a Master Painters Award in 2012 and the following year was on show as part of the Annual Conference of the Australian Garden History Society.

Today, the home presents in pristine condition and incorporates every modern convenience. The residence has been cleverly extended to incorporate a separate master suite and study on the upper floor. This area offers a sublime and private retreat which includes a claw foot bath, gas open fire and oodles of relaxation space. The downstairs area comprises a beautiful formal reception room, elegant dining room, three additional large bedrooms and a family bathroom for the disabled. A superb Peder Christensen, hand crafted Tasmanian myrtle kitchen with granite bench tops and splashbacks is a striking feature of the home. It leads onto a wonderful 36 m2 family room with extensive views over the private rear garden.

The home is temperature controlled using a zoned and ducted, gas-fired central heating system to the downstairs rooms. In addition there four open fire places, one of which is also gas-fired. The upstairs master suite has been extensively insulated with R5 rated material. Accordingly, temperature variation throughout the year is effectively minimised.

The grounds have been thoughtfully laid out and provide many opportunities to simply sit, relax and enjoy the manicured surrounds. Hard landscaping has been constructed to the highest standards and incorporates feature walls, extensively paved entertaining areas, walkways and even a garden cupola complete with tessellated tiling. A garage with auto door and two additional off-street car spaces have been incorporated into the overall design. An attached studio or gym and garden shed round out the impressive list infrastructure elements.

The garden itself is absolutely beautiful and includes many exotic perennials. Plant selection has been based on cold climate principes to ensure the health and viability of the garden. Two 12 station computer controlled sprinkler systems with rain sensors have been installed to establish water security and certainty and to provide a degree of set and forget. The extensive use of various hedges gives the garden structure and under planting with spring bulbs provides additional colour and interest.

This is a home for the discerning. Everything is here, in its correct place and to the required standard. Nothing left out. Nothing overlooked.

Inspection by appointment.