A Tasmanian family wanted the land, but not the house, so now a colonial-era homestead is up for sale.
Beneath the wild, rugged sweep of the Great Western Tiers in northern Tasmania is a valley dotted with colonial homesteads, their paddocks ringed by dry stone walls and old hedges — all laid out to mimic the England their owners had left behind.
Among them, Bentley stands out as one of the grandest — a sprawling white residence down a long drive lined with oaks and poplars.
Bentley, a seven-bedroom home on a 56-acre landholding, has been listed for sale. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
The seven-bedroom home at 1519 Mole Creek Road, Chudleigh was built in 1879 by Donald Norman Cameron, a member of Australia’s first federal Parliament, on an 1829 land grant.
Mr Cameron lived here until his death in 1931, and the property later left the family. In 2002 the Hawkins family bought Bentley and restored and extended it, adding a replica wing joined to the original by a 10.6m x 10m conservatory beneath a Regency dome inspired by Brighton’s Royal Pavilion.
The property was built in 1879 by Donald Norman Cameron, who was a member of Australia's first federal parliament. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
In 2020 — some 90 years after Mr Cameron died — Bentley returned to the family fold when Max Cameron, who owns the neighbouring Wesley Dale sheep operation, bought it for the land with his four children in mind, all of whom are interested in agriculture and agritourism.
"A lot of people would have bought it for the house and tolerated the farmland, but for us we bought it for the farmland and tolerated the house," said Max Cameron.
The home is reached via a long drive lined with oaks and poplars. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
With little need for Bentley, they’re now selling the 913sqm homestead, outbuildings and surplus 56 acres with a guide of $7.5m–$8.5m.
"At one level it's quite sad, it's an opportunity to acquire the most fantastic property, which has been immaculately renovated," said Mr Cameron.
The property was purchased in 2020 by descendants of Donald Cameron, the original owner. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
But he says there's little emotional attachment.
"It's not as if I can remember sitting on my grandfather's knee in the living room. It was one generation back. While it would have been lovely to keep the house — from every window, you get the most magnificent view — we just have absolutely no need for it."
A conservatory with a dome inspired by the Royal Pavilion at Brighton forms the heart of the home. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
But one family’s surplus is another’s spectacular heirloom in waiting.
Bentley's grand entry hall opens onto beautifully appointed reception rooms, including the drawing and dining rooms, a study, a library and a billiard room, along with a large studio ready to become a gym or boardroom.
The period details are all here: marble fireplaces, deep verandahs, high ceilings, French doors and sash windows, with long hallways retained from the 1870s. In the kitchen, an Aga and huon pine cabinetry take pride of place.
The home was meticulously restored and extended in recent decades. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
Outside, a 700m dry stone wall encloses sweeping lawns, an orangery, a coach house with accommodation, stables and a stable yard, a dog pen, and a machinery shed topped with a clock tower.
A barn has room for a car collection, and there’s even space to land a helicopter. Beyond the wall are an orchard and 56 acres of grazing land.
Dominic Romeo at Dominic Romeo Historic Property says he's been "flat out with genuine enquiries" since the property hit the market less than a week ago.
Interest is coming from mainlanders looking for a family home in Tasmania, and others who want a weekender now and plan to move down later.
The property features multiple outbuildings including a barn and stables. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
Heritage purists have been particularly excited, he said.
"They're after something that's quite unique and interesting. They love the architecture and the setting, which is absolutely beautiful."
The landscape has been laid out to mimic the English countryside. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
Mr Romeo says Bentley would make a wonderful family home, a working farm, a luxurious weekend escape or an agritourism adventure.
It sits on the edge of the historic township of Chudleigh, around half an hour from Devonport and 45 minutes from Launceston.
The property covers 56 acres of lush grazing land. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
For neighbouring Mr Cameron, the main thing is finding the right buyer.
"It's waiting for someone who has a genuine appreciation for the landscape and the heritage status of the building," he said. "And who will be prepared to put into the local community."
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