Five unusual New South Wales renovation opportunities – all under $300,000

Five unusual New South Wales renovation opportunities – all under $300,000
Jennifer DukeDecember 7, 2020

At 2 Swanson Lane, Casino is this “concrete castle” that is actually a former water treatment/filtration plant built in the early 1940s.

The vendors have managed to get a DA from the council to convert it into a three-bedroom residence, and the listing also suggests you could use it for a clubhouse, museum, art gallery or observatory.

The rear looks a little bit like a security-holding and the concrete can seem a little bare. Property Observer’s production editor Jake Robinson suggested that the blank concrete cylindrical water holding area could be perfect canvas for some graffiti-art. We think that, for the more traditional renovator, a creeping plant may suit to deal with the expanse of blankness.

Internally, the vendor has fit out one end with a mezzanine bedroom/lounge, bathroom and toilet and a modest kitchenette. It’s basic, but the property certainly has potential.

It’s on 2,500 square metres and the building is 250 millimetre thick double-reinforced concrete. The property is security fenced, with eight foot powdercoat.

With the right lighting and renovation, this could be a beautiful and unique home.

Asking price? $269,000

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At 57 Gidley Street, Molong, is this old Masonic lodge building that suits someone with vision.

 

It’s been dubbed “The Temple of Temptation” by the real estate agent, and we’re certainly tempted to get our hands on it – particularly as there are some clear spots for beautiful fireplaces.

Its classical exterior and extremely high ceilings look as though they’d suit a well-thought out studio or one-bedroom stylish cottage.

It has four areas – an entrance, toilet, kitchen room and significant main room of approximately 10 by eight metres – with floorboards, stage and fireplace.

The 674 square metre property has recently been reduced to $145,000.

We’re not entirely sure, but we think it could have been built circa 1930s, and may just be the property mentioned in this Sydney Morning Herald article from the time (Monday 23 November 1931).

It appears to have once been owned by the Molong RSL club.

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Another Masonic Lodge, of which the inside hasn’t been included in the photographs, is 11 Wrigley Street, Gilgandra.

The façade is enough for us to be interested to add it to the list, as is the asking price: Just $60,000 for the described three-bedroom, one-bathroom opportunity.

It notes that “It has a local heritage listing-you'll have to see exactly what this means but probably means the original fascade can't be changed.” Which, for those looking for something with a beautiful historic feel, is the part that makes this property stand out anyway. The façade is a beautiful brick style, which appears very well maintained.

Unfortunately, it looks like the Council must be consulted with first for future use as it was used previously as a “meeting place”. While sounding ominous, it’s anyone’s guess as to how council will react to a residential request.

We assume it’s in need of some dire renovation. It notes that the largest room is a sizeable 13 by eight metres – similar to our Molong subject – with the smaller bedroom at five metres by eight metres. It includes a toilet, urinal and small store room.

The façade includes the term “JUNCTA JUVANT”, which is also inscribed on the Masonic Coat of Arms for New South Wales. It is often translated as something akin to “Unity is Strength”, according to the Masonic Library.

The only issue for those wanting to turn it into their next home may be the style of windows – which are all at the top of the high ceilings when looking further back at the building. As this may not be able to be altered, lighting discussions are going to be a must.

It is in a flood zone.

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70 Yapumyah Street, Barellan, is a $295,000 (negotiable) offering that was one Barellan’s Rural Bank, it has already had the “foundations laid” to turn the property into a four-bedroom home.

The façade reminds us somewhat of our number three option – the Gilgandra Masonic Lodge – but it also has solid timber inclusions in the pressed tin ceilings and more functional windows. It had construction commencing in 1930 – and completed six years later.

Fully functional safe and iron security doors to the main street are included, which Property Observer thinks is absolutely terrific.

Some aspects have been modernised, but there’s plenty left for renovators. For instance, the main bedroom, which has a balcony, has a fairly contemporary walk-in wardrobe. There’s also an added in-ground swimming pool, extensive shedding and a stainless steel gas stove. The living area includes a bar.

It does, however, obviously need some substantial work.

 

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This Jerilderie church, the address of which is not listed, will set you back $85,000 and it’s on a 4,047 square metre corner block and built of Murray pine.

The 1860s-built church was moved to the site in 1920 and is in “reasonable condition” – but inexperienced home improvers may not want to tackle this, as it requires new roofing and a significant amount of fixing.

The listing suggests that exposing the timber would be a beautiful option, and also explains that the front half of the old hall has been damaged, but that the rear and chimney are in strong condition. The windows are that typically-beautiful shape that old churches offer for renovation, and with a bit of TLC it’s likely that this would be an impressive home.

The land also includes two fenced paddocks, and it is power connected.

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And lastly, if you don’t want to renovate and are happy to push the $300,000 mark a bit extra then we’ve included this beauty.

For $330,000, 69 Oliver Street, Grafton, could be yours. This beautiful property includes three bedrooms, two bathrooms and two garage spaces, and beautiful polished hardwood floorboards. The marketing also includes a video.

A solar system has been installed, and in the garage there is also a storage mezzanine. It’s truly stunning – and could be good inspiration for any renovator.

It includes a terrific “before” photograph, and our hats go off to the owner renovators who appear to have done a splendid job.

It sits on 976 square metres, and we love the backyard deck and neutral colour tone throughout. Modern, but classic – truly gorgeous.

Jennifer Duke

Jennifer Duke was a property writer at Property Observer

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