Dysart House, Kempton Tasmania listed at $1.5 million

The early colonial Tasmanian sandstone residence, Dysart House has been listed for sale by Ann and Alistair Forsyth with $1.5 million asking price.

The house was meticulously restored by Leo Schofield during his decade-long Tasmanian residence. 

The Forsyths plan to return to the south of France, listing the Kempton trophy home in Tasmania’s southern Midlands, around 40 minutes north of Hobart. 

Dysart House, at 26 Main Street, represents the best of listings in Tasmania.

The 1842 residence comes with a music room, billiard room, commercial kitchen and 10 bedrooms.

Arts supremo Leo Schofield had it as his base after departing Bronte House, with Dysart House’s previous past owners including other Sydneysiders Paul and Yvonne Maule, along with actor Reg Livermore.

The former coaching inn stands on six hectares in the historic village of Kempton, where its first occupant, ex-convict embezzler-turned-innkeeper William Ellis, is buried in the nearby cemetery.

Designed in the Greek Revival (Georgian) style, its main facade is breakfront with five bays.

The portico has square and round Tuscan columns, framing the central entrance with four-panel door, fanlight and half sidelights.

Two wings, each with attic spaces, enclose a huge flagged courtyard and caretaker's quarters.

Built in 1842, it was originally named 'The Green Ponds Hotel' and served as an inn, public house and residence until the 1860s.

During the next decade it was used as scholastic establishment for young ladies before reverting to private occupancy.

The grounds come with an 1845 coach house and stables, partially restored. It last sold at $1.15 million in 2012.