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"THE GRANGE"
POSITION AND POTENTIAL ALL ON A PRIVATE 2Ha. ESTATE
Substantial architect designed full brick residence is project ready for the astute to renovate, update and to bring back to its former / present glory. Situated on 5 private easy care acres in one of Dural's sought after locations - you will not need a lot of imagination to recognise the potential and profit.
Approximately 1000 sqm of full brick construction - vaulted ceilings throughout, extensive glass and timber applications.
"Contemporary" floorplan incorporating two separate wings allows flexibility for family living on a grand scale or the potential to redesign and accommodate two families.
A choice of living / entertaining spaces include - family living rooms, media room, rumpus, billiard room and music rooms.
Substantial and functional kitchen enjoys a sunny north aspect.
Five bedrooms - Master bedroom / suite in a separate wing.
Covered alfresco plus entertaining room / teenagers retreat.
Self-contained granny / in-law accommodation.
Exercisable pool, indoor spa and tennis court.
Four car garaging and separate stables.
Pony paddock, dam, mature established exotic gardens and grounds.
All with easy and quick access to a choice of local schools, amenities, Dural Village and Castle Towers / Metro. Your family will enjoy the benefits and lifestyle that this wonderful property provides.
PROPERTY HISTORY:
We bought the property in April 2004 at Auction. An accumulation of 30 acres had been held by Australand P/L for around 10 years prior and the houses had been left vacant for many years. The property was then subdivided into 6 lots of approximately 5 acres in around 2000. We fell in love with the ambiance, tranquility and peace of the property and looked forward to the challenge of renovation this architecturally designed house. Like any classic design of any era, we were amazed that the property, built around the early 70's, had maintained a style that with an overhaul could be modern and relevant in 2004.
The house at 643 originally named "The Grange" which fitting name to its stately like presence in Dural on then 10acres. Its building held much fascination by the local community as it was arguably the first "Mansion" built in Dural.
A recently found newspaper article referenced below its local interest.
"One of the first giant homes to be built in the area was 643 Old Northern Rd, once owned by the Andronicus family, who made their fortune in coffee. It was the first property to sell in Dural for $1 million in 1988. The joke between agents out here at the time was if you went there for a party on Friday night and took the wrong turn after the front door you would miss whole thing - so there are some very big homes out here,’’ Mr Keene said.
Further information on the building of the property came from the foreman on the site. He knocked on our door one Saturday and he gave us a fascinating insight into the origins of the property. I am only working on memory of this conversation.
The house was built in the very early 1970's by John David, founder of David Holdings fame. He built this architecturally designed, double brick home. John James was the architect in partnership with Peru Perumal. Plans Job # is 72/576 Where the kitchen is now was originally a sewing room for his wife. Who did not sew but wanted it included in the plans? He must have had a great love of music as he also included a soundproof recording studio. Which, I believe, also served as his den. The master bedroom suit was adorned with marble imported from Italy. An amusing observation when viewing the property was the inclusion of the 1970s famous shag pile carpet. The whole house had a dark brown and dark green blend. However, as you walked the hallway to the master suite a "board walk" of pure white shag pile carpet with graduating widths led you to the luxurious bedroom, the absolute epitome of luxury at the time. The laundry is huge and houses an ironing station. Again, as funny as it seems, would have been drooled over by the women who visited at the time. There is an exceptionally large spa which also had a sauna in one of the rooms, and a billiard room complete with custom made bar and full-size billiard table. Of course, a house of this size needed and intercom system throughout, as well as an alarm system. A separate 1 bedroom granny flat was built to accommodate the help needed to maintain a house of this size. Outside there was an equivalent of an outdoor kitchen barbeque of today. Another amazing feature and tribute to the foresight of the architect. This was alongside a 30m x 10m x 4m deep pool. Still impressive by todays standard.
Another feature of the outside is there are no gutters attached to the house. It is surrounded by large drains which culminate in the paddock to take the water down to the natural creek below. Again, a testament to consideration of the bushland setting and reducing any bush fire danger.
The stable complex, which again would be the envy of any horse person even today, complete with stalls as well as tack and feed room and holding pen - as well as post and rail paddocks and dressage arena. Finally, a large machinery shed was erected to house all machinery needed to keep a property of this size and proportion.
The house was pretty much in its original state when we purchased in 2004. Though I believe John David only held the property for a few years. Locals believing it was brought by the Andronicus family. The sewing room was renovated to the kitchen in the mid-70s but that has been the only change over the years. As far as I know, whoever this unknown buyer was sold to Australand P/L. They held it until the property was subdivided and sold in 2004.
Unfortunately, the ravages of time meant the shag carpet had to go which left large gaps under the doors as evidence of the once luxurious carpet that adorned the floors. The custom-made bar was removed by Australand's caretakers, as well as the original sign of "The Grange" that adorned the front entrance. However, the property still leaves most people in awe of the grandeur from an era past and we have the absolute best of memories living in this beautiful and serene setting.
These were tributes found on a page for John David, who passed away in 2017 affirming the owners as the Davids. "I have the fondest memories of growing up next door to the David family in Dural." Sophie Steller
** The above information was kindly provided by Karen Andrew (current owner) and was provided as information of interest only. The information contained was obtained by third parties and newspaper clippings therefore she cannot guarantee its accuracy or time line.
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