As romantic as the name itself, Abbey of the Roses is a landmark in the historic Darling Downs city of Warwick, 160 kilometres south-west of Brisbane. Currently for sale as a unique residential property, the Abbey offers the opportunity to reside in graceful, timeless surroundings that are an important part of south-east Queensland’s heritage. The owners describe life here as like living in a castle but with all the facilities for a comfortable modern life at hand. It would be ideal for purchasers seeking a relaxing semi-retired lifestyle within a safe, peaceful and picturesque community.

History: The beautiful sandstone abbey, set on 2 acres of manicured grounds, was built for the Sisters of Mercy at a time when Warwick was predicted to become a major inland centre. Completed in 1891, the convent was at the heart of the local Catholic community for almost 100 years, serving as a day and boarding school for girls but as times changed, the school eventually closed and the Abbey was occupied by only a handful of nuns. The Church was left with no option but to put the property on the market.

A Popular Venue: In 1994 the Abbey was extensively restored to its former beauty and dignity by its secular owners, earning an award from the National Trust for the high quality of renovation work. The Abbey today is a popular boutique bed and breakfast retreat and reception centre, especially sought-after as a wedding venue. Bridal parties can utilise the Abbey’s historic chapel, its extensive reception facilities, picturesque grounds and overnight accommodation to create the complete wedding package.

Fully Licensed and Registered: It’s worth noting that the Abbey is rated four-star by the RACQ and has been voted the state’s No.1 wedding venue by a leading bridal magazine. The property is registered as a restaurant and function centre and licensed to serve liquor.

However, it is now being offered as a residence only, giving the future owners the option to continue providing hospitality, to contract all or some of the services out or to occupy the former convent solely as a private home. And what a home it is, providing over a dozen large bedrooms, a private chapel, elegant reception-dining rooms for over 100 guests, a library, wide lace-trimmed verandahs and a circular driveway fringed by rose gardens. On the top level, accessed by two staircases, is a large attic which would make an ideal home theatre or even staff quarters.

A Beautiful, Unique Living Environment: High ceilings, open fireplaces, chandeliers and exquisite stained glass windows feature throughout. The rich tones of cedar in doors, windows and balustrades contrast with the pale hues of the sandstone, which was mined locally at nearby Freestone and hand-cut on site. Furniture includes beautiful four-poster beds and velvet chesterfield lounges, while the gardens include a clay tennis court (in need of some TLC) and a romantic gazebo favoured by guests as a photographic setting and a venue for garden weddings. There is even a bell tower containing the Abbey’s 1.5 tonne bell which can still peal out to announce a wedding or other special occasion.

Location: Abbey of the Roses is in situated at 8 Locke Street about 500 metres from Warwick’s main business centre. Heritage listed by the National Trust and licensed to operate as boutique accommodation’ the historic property will provide a unique family home with the potential for an easily-managed business with room for growth.

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Disclaimer: We have in preparing this information used our best endeavours to ensure that the information contained herein is true and accurate, but accept no responsibility and disclaim all liability in respect of any errors, omissions, inaccuracies or misstatements that may occur. Prospective purchasers should make their own enquiries to verify the information contained herein. * denotes approximate measurements