The owners of this near-CBD jewel have committed to a purchase elsewhere and are very keen to hear a real offer so please don’t hesitate to call and book your inspection. Use the photos here for a taste of the quality on offer and savour the history below:
With records of land transfer dating back to 1852 (for four pounds) and construction taking place around 1875, you can be sure that Barrington stands proud with Grafton’s finest historic homes. Let it be told, manuscripts confirm that much of the timber to build was indeed felled and prepared on-site. Cedar was the stand at hand and thanks to the current sellers, much of this beautiful timber has been brought back to the eye.
In 1899 the property changed hands to the Sanders family. Here one of the founders of our very own Jacaranda Art Society was raised, alongside his seven siblings. They had their stables built across “the creek” which now forms Schaeffer Close. You can only imagine this beautiful farm house standing proud in its prime position even then.
Around 1910, Wonderlich pressed metal was added to the ceilings and the walls were dressed in paper. Rumour has it that around this time Dr Woodward ran his surgery from the home with an extensive library in his waiting room. This was a time when the influenza plague was deadly and the house was once quarantined due to an ill occupant. With a ribbon tied to the front gate, the baker and milkman knew not to enter the grounds with deliveries.
In 1925 the home welcomed electricity and still enjoyed water from the well. The 1930′s told stories of the elderly live-in maid who serviced the home until the war. The property was then sold to the Lindeman family who had roses planted all through the yard. Post war, the elderly Mrs Lindeman ran the premises as a boarding home and it was noted that over time it had worn down.
December 1976 saw another change of ownership and a great deal of time and resources were spent bringing the home back to its former classic glory. Other than changes for modern comfort every effort has been made to retain the original charm. In the refurbishments every effort was taken to use old cedar and hardwood grown in the valley.
Today, with two extra bedrooms added in a separate two-storey studio at the rear of the main dwelling, the home is one of Grafton’s premier properties.
Whether you take residence in the formal rooms at the front with high ceilings, pressed metal and picture rails or you take the upstairs room with the quintessential dormer window view the choice is yours. Alternatively take privacy to a new level and take advantage of the studio at the rear with 2 bedrooms, living room and independent bathroom.
There is certainly too many beautiful features to mention and quite frankly the property speaks for itself. This one will be lucky to see out its very first week. Join the historic trail of custodians past and history to be made.
near-CBD Position, Circa 1875, Dual Living, Commercial Potential (STCA)

andbull; One street back from the Clarence River
andbull; One block from the CBD
andbull; Positioned in the renowned heritage trail
andbull; Perfect for dual living purposes
andbull; Large home plus 2 bedroom studio at the rear
andbull; Historically used for Commercial and Residential pursuits
andbull; Possibilities to run a business from home (STCA)
andbull; Respectfully restored Circa 1875
Contact Terry Deefholts on 6642 1122 or direct 0413 299 176
* The above brief history was sourced from a document researched and prepared by a previous owner of Barrington (aka Jengerra) who reportedly gathered information from various sources including Schaeffer House immediately across the road. Further details are available upon request.