Leo Schofield lists contents of colonial Tasmanian home

Leo Schofield lists contents of colonial Tasmanian home
Jonathan ChancellorDecember 8, 2020

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Arts guru Leo Schofield has listed the antique contents of his early colonial Tasmanian sandstone residence, Dysart House, for October sale.

The listing suggests the property itself is nearing exchange, having been marketed since late 2010 through Charlotte Peterswald agent Brian Watchorn. While it is presumed it will remain a private residence, Dysart House has been marketed as suited for adaption to boutique accommodation, restaurant, or even as cooking school, the state’s current big thing.

Its stables could be also be used as an antique centre.

Located about 40 minutes from Hobart, it represents the best of listings in Tasmania.

The 1842 residence comes with a music room, billiard room, commercial kitchen and 10 bedrooms and has been Schofield's base since he departed Bronte House.

Dysart House’s past owners include 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.

The contents have been listed for October 23 Mossgreen auction.

Schofield has undertaken an extensive restoration in the past six years.

He has been recently spotted at a heritage listings elsewhere in Tasmania, so appears set to remain on the Apple Isle.

Jonathan Chancellor

Jonathan Chancellor is one of Australia's most respected property journalists, having been at the top of the game since the early 1980s. Jonathan co-founded the property industry website Property Observer and has written for national and international publications.

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