Hidden heritage treasure

From its glamorous interior and gorgeous heritage detailing to the decked-out entertaining area affectionally known as "The Palace", this fully renovated East Maitland property is truly one of a kind.

Hidden behind an unassuming facade that gives little indication of the wonder within, the original Pender-designed property was built in 1926 for Dr C.J.B. Armstrong for use as both his surgery and residence.

Set on a 1647sqm block in the heart of the suburb, the home has been extended and renovated over the years, with the original waiting room transformed into the spacious ensuite, while the master bedroom now occupies the space formerly used as the doctor's consulting room.

The tightly-held property has had just four owners in its 94-year history, including Dr Armstrong's practice partner, Dr McKerihan, the Wilcox family and its current owners.

Lovingly looked after and meticulously updated, the home maintains its original character despite successive renovations, with the decorative 'Armstrong' name plate next to the front door paying tribute to its heritage.

The front section of the home has retained many original features, from the checkerboard tiles of the entry hall to the warmth and texture of the hardwood flooring and the elegant vintage pendant lights.

Period details, including exquisite cathedral glass leadlight windows, intricate ceiling roses and panelling, high coffered ceilings and stunning chandeliers, extend the authentic ambience throughout, while the original fireplaces, while capped and not operational, still provide charming focal points in one of the bedrooms and the front living space.

Newer elements have been sympathetically selected to sit comfortably with the heritage features of the home while still adding a touch of modern luxury, while a black and white colour scheme inspired by the entry tiles ensures the home has a seamless, neutral interior design that is both glamorous and sophisticated.

The home's extended layout is ideal for modern families, with the expansive open plan living spaces providing ideal entertaining options at the rear of the design, while the five bedrooms are grouped together at the front of the home with an additional formal living space for added peace and privacy.

Generous proportions ensure the bedrooms feel luxuriously large and inviting, with a king-sized master suite offering a true parents' retreat with space for its own sitting area. The enormous walk-in wardrobe and dressing room down the hallway was converted from a standard-sized bedroom and has been fitted out with shelving and hanging space.

Following a complete renovation this year, the master ensuite has become a haven of period style with a regal-looking clawfoot bath, traditional pedestal vanity and stunning heritage floor tiles, complemented by the opulent walk-in shower recess with twin gooseneck showerheads and classic white subway splashback tiles.

The main two-way bathroom has been luxuriously finished in a five-star style including floor-to-ceiling tiling, a built-in shower over bath design and two separate vanities with plenty of storage, while a window and skylight ensure the space feels light, bright and inviting.

The rear of the home is ideal for entertaining, with an open plan living room extension overlooked by the expansive new kitchen.

One of the true highlights of the home, the gourmet kitchen is more than double in size compared to the previous offering, with the functional elements including quality stainless steel appliances and a large preparation area tucked away in an open butler's pantry style configuration at the semi-enclosed end.

A stunning 3.2m long bench featuring sleek 30mm stone benchtops and breakfast bar seating extends the kitchen into the living space, while classic shaker-profile cabinetry provides an abundance of storage.

The open plan kitchen and living room have uninterrupted views through louvred glass windows to the adjoining indoor swimming pool, allowing parents to relax in comfort while still keeping an eye on the kids.

With a depth of more than six feet and a heat pump to keep the magnesium mineral pool water comfortable all year round, the concrete swimming pool provides resort-style living that is sure to appeal to all members of the family.

A spectacular entertainment space created in the former detached double garage provides the icing on the cake for this true entertainer's home, with its luxurious finish and long list of inclusions ensuring it lives up to its nickname of "The Palace".

From the stacked stone surrounds of the electric fireplace to the rattan pendant light fitting, black aluminium shutters and timber-look ceiling fans, "The Palace" provides a stylish and comfortable space to enjoy all year round, while a well-appointed gourmet kitchen complete with 30mm timber benchtops, laminate cabinetry and Westinghouse electric wall oven caters for all your alfresco cooking and dining needs.

Several open-air alfresco areas provide additional options where you can sit and enjoy the lush green backyard, while towering trees, established hedges and manicured lawns provide a sense of peace, privacy and seclusion from the surrounding neighbourhood.

While you'll feel a world away from it all in the beautiful home and landscaped backyard, this property's prime positioning in the heart of historic East Maitland will ensure you have all the conveniences on your doorstep.

Walk to a range of nearby eateries, antique stores or galleries, enjoy the recreation options of local sporting fields and the bowling club or hop in the car to get all your essentials and much more at the major regional entertaining and shopping hub of Stockland Green Hills Shopping Centre, which is located less than 2km east at the top of the hill.

SMS 133New to 0428 166 755 for a link to the on-line property brochure.