4030 Huon Highway, Castle Forbes Bay, Tas 7116

A remarkable property combining history, scale and opportunity, this approximately 39-acres (15.8 ha), brings together a substantial Victorian residence, three additional cottages, an enormous workshop/shed, fertile pasture, abundant water and a beautiful hillside of native forest. There is a sense here of a property that has evolved over generations, with the infrastructure and accommodation to support a wide range of possibilities – from a family estate or working farm to a home with genuine income potential.

The main residence forms an impressive centrepiece. Dating from 1880, it is unusually large for a cottage look, with generous proportions, a broad central hallway and wonderfully high ceilings creating a feeling of space throughout. Five bedrooms are complemented by multiple living areas, allowing plenty of room for family life without compromising on the original character of the home.

Its heritage details are a particularly lovely part of the experience. Wide timber floorboards bear the patina of generations, while pressed tin, stained glass, dado detailing, and original timber work provide reminders of the craftsmanship of the period. These elements sit comfortably alongside more recent improvements, with the home having undergone electrical rewiring and plumbing works, internal plastering and painting, and updates to the kitchen and bathroom. There is still room to add your own touches, including an expansive roof space to explore, that remains largely untouched.

Beyond the main residence, the scale of the property's infrastructure becomes apparent. The workshop and machinery shed measures approximately 27m x 9m, with a high roofline and large sliding doors making it suitable for everything and anything you need to store. From agricultural machinery, your boat, caravan or motorhome. Three-phase power is connected, along with a fantastic original mechanic's pit. A real feature extra is a huge vintage gantry that runs the full length of the shed, restored to function once more.

Adding another bonus layer to the property are three separate cottages, with the rare benefit of historic approvals allowing them to be rented independently and creating the potential for a meaningful income stream from the property.

Two of the cottages are already part-way through renovation. Work has begun and improvements have been made, although both still need some love to bring them to completion and realise their full potential. One provides three bedrooms with lounge, kitchen and dining spaces, a bathroom, sundeck and separately fenced yard, while the other offers two bedrooms with its own kitchen, living and bathroom, also with a fenced rear yard.

The third is the property's old seasonal pickers' quarters, another reminder of the agricultural history woven through this holding. With three bedrooms, a bathroom and combined kitchen and living area, it remains largely ready for its next chapter and offers a project for someone who appreciates the character and story of these historic farm buildings.

Beyond the home, shed and cottages, the property provides around 12 acres of pasture. Originally an apple orchard, the soils here are known for their rich fertile nature. Forming a wonderful backdrop to an already picturesque property, is a hillside of native forest to explore. Consisting of tall gums, Blackwoods and ferns, this is a piece of your own Tassie wilderness.

Water is another significant feature. A huge dam provides scope for irrigation and agricultural use, while the year-round Castle Forbes Rivulet runs right through the property adding a beautiful feature to the landscape and even comes with a rare water licence for its use. Town water is otherwise connected to the main residence and the cottages, providing a valuable combination of natural and reticulated water resources.
It is a landscape that feels distinctly Huon. This part of the valley has long been known for its rich soils and equally rich agricultural history, shaped by orchards, farming and generations of families working the land. There is a lovely sense of that history here, from the old residence and pickers' quarters through to the workshop/apple shed and established paddocks.

The riverside location completes the picture. The Huon River is close by, placing boating, kayaking and days along the water within easy reach. Franklin lies in one direction, with its historic riverside village atmosphere and multiple eateries, while Port Huon in the other direction, provides access to a marina, and boat ramp. The Kermandie River Hotel opposite the marina is a great spot for a drink and dinner, whilst the local sports centre also offers a heated indoor pool.

Another 5 minutes down the road is the quaint country town of Geeveston, with more eateries and basic shops and services. For broader shopping and everyday services, the hub of the Huon Valley is at Huonville, approximately 15 minutes from the property, while Hobart is around 45 minutes. It is a location that allows you to enjoy the space, history and natural beauty of the Huon Valley while remaining comfortably connected to the area's main townships and the city and airport beyond.

Please contact us for further information or to arrange a private viewing.

Type

House

Bedrooms

5

Bathrooms

1

Parkings

6

Area

15.8 ha

House Size

220 m²