'Wye Vale'

Built in 1917, 'Wye Vale' was the family home of Armidale brick layer and stone mason, Mark Roberts. With a family history of over 400 years of master craftsmanship poured into its construction, and beautiful historical details like date-stamped, hand-poured pavers, this gorgeous house was built to last.

The modest entrance gives little hint of how expansive, light and welcoming the house and its grounds really are. With natural light in every room — much of it coming through original stained-glass windows — and full cedar and double brick throughout, Wye Vale perfectly balances the sturdy solidity of age with bright and airy modern living.

An extension seamlessly connects the original house with the converted stables, resulting in a gentle flow from family rooms, to open living room, to home office and guest quarters. Doors open either side of the living room to the gardens beyond: to the east, the sun rises through established pin oaks, crab-apples and an ancient wisteria, lights the room through two huge skylights, and then sets over the kitchen garden and walled courtyard to the west of the house. Made of reclaimed red brick, this courtyard is a warm and sheltered entertainment area, with raised garden beds designed to capture the sun right through winter.

Stepping down the path into the gardens, the rich basalt soil gently slopes away past the restored barn to a large duck pond and park like grounds. Lovingly maintained, this part of Armidale's heritage is an exquisite family home, and ready now for its next century of history-making.