WALK around historic Stroud and you step back in time – in the most delightful way.

A historic village nestled in the fringe of the Hunter region, Stroud has a distinctly colonial feel; hardly surprising, as the town was built to serve the commercial activities of the powerful Australian Agricultural Company in the early 1800’s.

While the AAC’s association with Stroud has been consigned to history, the picturesque and friendly country town’s popularity has remained strong and a firm favorite of many Sydneysiders as either a weekend retreat purchase or a complete tree change.

Stroud’s popularity has increased even further during the Covid-19 pandemic, attracting a variety of buyers from Sydney, Central Coast, Maitland and Newcastle areas, who are yearning for the relaxed rural lifestyle and fresh air that the Village and region are renowned for.

Enter elegant Derrybawn, a landmark property, meticulously restored and renovated and occupying a prestigious Cowper Street location.

Set within beautiful gardens, Derrybawn’s history offers insight into its unique flexibility of use.

Constructed in 1905 by ‘Mr Price’ who named the property in honour of Mt Derrybawn in his Irish homeland, the floorplan catered to the property’s original purpose as an elite boarding house; many of its guests having arrived by horse drawn coach.

Over the ensuing years, Derrybawn has enjoyed colourful chapters as a doctor’s surgery, cafe, restaurant and as it is now, a beautiful home delivering an elegant yet relaxed lifestyle.

The dimensions and character are impressive with its 12ft pressed metal ceilings, wide timber floorboards; mellowed with age, pretty coloured glass and leadlight features throughout.

A floor plan that sees formal and informal dining and living rooms, entertainer’s kitchen, four spacious bedrooms, three with sitting rooms, two bathrooms and idyllic garden set alfresco dining and entertainment spaces.

To wood fires and in-floor ducted air conditioning ensure year-round temperature comfort.

Style, live-ability and versatility are a wonderful combination, and it’s evident that the property remains as adaptable now as it was when built, offering an idyllic private residence, BnB or rental accommodation – of which Stroud is in short supply – or a combined home and business venue.

Stroud is also renowned for its breathtaking scenery, its proximity to the Hunter Valley’s wineries, snow-capped, World Heritage Barrington Tops National Park, plus within easy reach of the Mid-North Coast’s white sand beaches, azure seas and commercial hubs.

Last week’s announcement that Newcastle Airport, a mere 45 minutes away and currently offering easy air access to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and a wide range of regional destinations, will undergo an exciting upgrade to international airport status is sure to see Stroud’s popularity soar to even greater heights.

Stroud is also well placed for access to hospitals, has a medical centre, pharmacy, ambulance station, golf club, hotel, cafés, beauty, retail stores, restaurants, parks, schools and transport.

Discerning private buyers and investors will readily appreciate the outstanding opportunities that await beyond Derrybawn’s front gate.

Derrybawn will be going to online Auction with Denise Haynes of R&R Property on 11 June at 2pm, if not sold prior.

Contact Denise Haynes 0414 725 482, www.randrproperty.com.au.