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Newcastle Herald
Newcastle Herald
National
Jade Lazarevic

Bishopscourt mansion at The Hill listed for record-breaking $12m to $13.2m

Bishopscourt at 34 Brown Street, The Hill is listed with a guide of $12 million to $13.2 million with Scott Walkom at Walkom Real Estate and Robinson Property's Mike Flook. Picture supplied

Bishopscourt mansion at The Hill is back on the market almost a decade after it last sold for $5 million.

The former bishop's residence at 34 Brown Street is listed with a guide of $12 million to $13.2 million with Scott Walkom at Walkom Real Estate and Robinson Property's Mike Flook.

The lounge room. Picture supplied

"It is an amazing home steeped in history and has such a beautiful ambience," Mr Flook said.

"To acquire such a stately home on this much land in Newcastle is unheard of and the uninterrupted north-facing coastal and city views complete the picture."

The view to Nobbys headland. Picture supplied

The sprawling seven-bedroom, four-bathroom house is set on more than one acre and is the largest single residential holding in the area.

Its elevated position captures views over the city, Newcastle Harbour, Stockton Beach and Nobbys Headland.

The dining room. Picture supplied

The property had served as the home of the Anglican Bishop of Newcastle since 1929 until it was sold in 2015.

The grand building was designed by FG & AC Castledon, which also designed the Newcastle Morning Herald building in Bolton Street, the Newcastle Ocean Baths, The Newcastle Club, and Scott's Store (later the David Jones Building).

The grand entryway. Picture supplied

Property developer David Hughes purchased Bishopscourt for $5 million in 2015.

It was the first time the estate had been offered to market after it was sold off by the Anglican church.

The view is one of the property's key features.

The study. Picture supplied

"I own the airspace over the property below, so as such the views can never be built out," Mr Hughes said.

The grand proportions of the home were a drawcard for the owner.

The estate spans 4130-square metres.

The property takes in views across Newcastle Harbour. Picture supplied

"It's over 400 square metres on The Hill with uninterrupted views, so it is an incredible property," he said.

"There are some sympathetic developments that could be done there.

Leadlight windows are a feature throughout the home. Picture supplied

"I have reviewed some of those including, for example, a high-end nursing home so there are a multitude of options on the site from a developer's perspective."

Inside features timber floors, intricate wood panelling, a grand staircase, high ceilings and windows with leadlight detailing and diocesan embellishments.

One of the seven bedrooms on the top level. Picture supplied

The floorplan has expansive living areas including a rumpus room, sitting room, family room and lounge.

There are four bathrooms and seven bedrooms on the top level.

The chapel. Picture supplied

Sprawling grounds, mature gardens and established trees surround the home and a circular driveway leads to the front entrance.

A chapel is connected to the house via French doors from the dining room.

The house has four bathrooms. Picture supplied

Features of the home are the grand entryway and the bishop's study with a large bay window to capture the view.

A calling system in the kitchen used for the servants is another original feature.

An aerial view of the property. Picture supplied

The owner had planned to renovate the home and add a contemporary conservatory-style extension at the rear designed by Greg Lee from Curious Practice.

The DAs included an underground garage and an extension to the rear of the house to create a large eat-in kitchen and informal living area, and a swimming pool and a second garage."

The block spans 4130 square metres. Picture supplied

The property could become the most expensive residential property in the Newcastle region.

The record was set earlier this year after heritage-listed home, Woodlands, at 51 Church Street at The Hill fetched $12 million in an off-market sale facilitated by Maitland-based Michael Maffey of Maffey Property Services.

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