An 1840s Georgian Manor with servants quarters, original well, subterranean cellar and a sculpture stone of Queen Victoria has been listed for sale with a price guide of $5m.
Rich in local history, the “iconic” Richmond manor sits on more than 2500 sqm with views of the Blue Mountains and is noted on the Hawkesbury Historical walk.
Listing agent Peter Chidgey, from Ray White Rural Hawkesbury, said the biggest drawcard for buyers was the grandeur of the house and the historic links.
“It’s an iconic building within our region,” Mr Chidgey said.
The Benson House is well known in the Hawkesbury region.
Imported French iron entrance gates.
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“Being constructed in the 1840s is big drawcard, we’ve had a lot of interest from overseas buyers.”
The namesake Benson House at 61 Francis St, is from the original owner William Murry Benson, a shipwright from Scotland, who arrived with his wife Marion and their family in the early 1840s.
Originally a single storey dwelling with a barn, the home was passed down to his granddaughter Emma May Benson who married Prosper Henry Ridge in 1884. Soon afterwards, the couple extended the manor to two storeys.
French 19th century chandeliers and marble fireplace.
Exposed beams and handcrafted Australian red cedar joinery.
Very active in local affairs, Proper Henry Ridge served as Mayor from 1892 – 1896 and was president of Richmond School of Arts.
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Like stepping back in time, the spacious six bedrooms, three bathroom residence includes traditional details from the era including marble fireplaces, pressed metal ceilings, Australian red cedar joinery and 19th century French crystal chandeliers.
Historical touches still remain in the home.
French inspired kitchen with modern Smeg appliances.
There is also the library with original wall stencils, as well as a secondary residence which was originally the servants quarters and scullery, but has now been redesigned into a self contained secondary residence.
Ornamental trees including magnolia trees, a 150 year old crepe myrtle, jacaranda, 100 year old bay leaf tree and original ‘mile pine’ make up the gardens that the manor overlooks.
The private garden also features a sandstone sculpture of Queen Victoria which was a gift from Lord and Lady Jersey who were guests of the manor when the new water supply was turned on in 1892.
Servants quarters and original well still are on the grounds.
Manicured gardens featuring century old trees and a sandstone fountain.
Levelled lawn fills the gardens.
Room for vegetable gardens.
Additionally there is an imported French gazebo surrounded by roses, salvia, camellias and a French sandstone water feature.
The master suite has French doors and balcony access, with the main bathroom featuring a Georgian cast iron bath, marble tiles and 18th century French oak vanity.
Ideal for history lovers or those interested in the grandeur of the iconic estate, Benson house is located within an hour from Sydney’s CBD and boasts country living with proximity to golf courses and the Hawkesbury and Nepean rivers for boating and fishing.
One of the four bedrooms in the main residence.
One of the bathrooms in the manor.
The listing states, “opportunities of this caliber are a rarity” and the home is open for private viewings.
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