Unique tree-change and lifestyle business opportunity

Rarely does an opportunity like this present itself. Set on 13.54 hectares (33 acres) 11km north of Mudgee, one of Australia’s most blessed food and wine regions, Ilkley Cottages offers a rustic residential paradise and a long-established and successful accommodation business.

A tranquil retreat, Ilkley Cottages features a main residence and three self-contained farmhouse-style cottages fully furnished in Australian colonial décor. The property is a haven for native animals and local bird life and offers guests exceptional privacy and serenity.

The Residence

The architect-designed ‘Ilkley House’ is a magnificent 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom cedar home that can sleep up to 12 guests. Alternatively, it can be the new owner’s majestic home on top of the hill, with countryside views from the multiple verandas.

Entertain outdoors in the alfresco setting that overlooks established gardens and mature trees or cosy up inside where the large open plan timber kitchen and dining are serviced by a beautiful slate fireplace. Vaulted pine ceilings grace the L-shaped lounge which opens out to a veranda for stunning views.

The master bedroom with ensuite features a walk-in robe, split cycle air-conditioning and a romantic private deck.

Two lockable workshops and a 3-bay machinery shed with workshop provide extra utility in the grounds and a 100,000-litre concrete rainwater tank plus a dam with a windmill and pump provide water for the lush gardens.

Maggie’s Cottage

Ilkley’s most recently built cottage, two-story Maggie’s is the next largest of the accommodation offerings, with three bedrooms and three bathrooms. Quaintly furnished in colonial décor style, Maggie’s boasts soaring raked ceilings, hardwood floors and timber architectural accents.

At ground level are the open plan kitchen, living and dining spaces, plus master bedroom with bunk beds. Up the spiral staircase, the two loft bedrooms each have ensuites and charming individual balconies with sweeping district views.

Reverse-cycle air-conditioning, ceiling fans in most bedrooms and a standalone Kent fireplace provide year-round comfort for guests.

An outdoor fireplace and seating on the deck make for relaxing al fresco dining surrounded by bushland.

Blackman’s Cottage

Built from materials harvested from the original Blackman’s Cottage (circa 1849) in South Mudgee, this 2-bedroom cottage is tucked away in a secluded bush pocket.

Fully furnished in ‘country-style’, accommodation and freshly painted, is comfortable for two couples or a family of four. The master bedroom has its own private doors to the veranda which looks out to a lovely, wooded area. The ‘locals’ including kangaroos and other friendly wildlife can be spotted regularly.

The beautifully decorated bathroom features a clawfoot bath and an antique porcelain sink with jarrah benchtop.

Reverse-cycle air-conditioning, and a freestanding pot belly fireplace ensure guests enjoy year-round comfort inside.

Fully self-contained, Blackmans Cottage’s kitchenette offers a microwave, cooktop, and fridge.

Calving Gully Cottage

Set in a lightly cleared bushland environment, the shingled Calving Gully Cottage is the smallest cottage for guest accommodation with one large bedroom and bathroom. The ideal honeymoon or couple’s retreat destination, its seclusion, serenity, and country farmhouse charm are coveted.

Pine raked ceilings and cypress beams provide a feeling of space and height with the warmth of wood echoed in the floorboards and trims. Also freshly painted it has reverse-cycle air-conditioning, and a pot belly fireplace make for cool and cosy days and nights all year round.

The bedroom also features cathedral ceilings and polished floors, and the spacious bathroom has a claw foot bath and antique porcelain sink with ironbark benchtop.

Fully self-contained, Calving Gully Cottage’s kitchenette offers a microwave, cooktop, and fridge.

The Grounds

Sprawled out over 33 acres of prime bushland, with acres of arable lands for grazing. The property is the definition of an Australian bush experience. At every turn, there is something to discover, from corrugated iron water tanks and windmills to enticing picnic spots and rare native fruit trees. In the daytime, the hushed environment is punctuated only by the sounds of native bird calls and the rustling of leaves.

Views over Mudgee from the homestead are stunning and each cottage has its own unique outlook and personality.

A secure water supply comes via the spring-fed dam and more than 100,000 litres of water storage.

The Location

Ilkley Cottages are situated just minutes from town. The Mudgee region in Central West New South Wales is home to 40 family-owned cellar doors as well as an abundance of cafes and restaurants, boutique shopping outlets, gorgeous heritage streetscapes and no less than six fascinating museums.

At 261km north-west of Sydney, Mudgee is close enough for a getaway and far enough to feel like an entirely different world. The town embraces its 19^th century history of gold rush days and industry. Today, it’s known for its epicurean delights, colourful markets, family-friendly attractions, and natural gifts.

The Potential

Dusk, dawn, morning, noon or night, Ilkley is an entrancing setting that lends itself to multiple functions such as an idyllic wedding venue or health retreat. The new owners will enjoy exploring opportunities such as building a function centre or staging a small annual Ilkley festival.

The Mudgee Region is located in the Central Tablelands of NSW, just over 3 hours from Sydney. The Region has a dynamic and friendly community along with a strong and diverse economic base, providing opportunities for future business development and growth. The Region also attracts over 573,000 visitors each year to experience the local wine, food, sporting and cultural events.

Population

24, 826 as at 2017

(Source: Mid Western Regional Council)

Area

8,752.3 square kilometeres

Major Towns and Centres

• Mudgee
• Gulgong
• Kandos
• Rylstone

Major Industries

• Mining
• Agriculture (including Viticulture)
• Construction
• Retail
• Tourism

Competitive Advantages

• Diverse and growing economic base
• Centrally located to Sydney and Newcastle and major regional centres in NSW
• Strong transport links - daily air and coach services
• Skilled workforce
• Strong business services sector
• Great lifestyle benefits
• Thriving tourism, arts and cultural sectors
• Adequate water supply

Mudgee region

Mudgee is the second oldest settlement west of the Blue Mountains, following Bathurst. We enjoy a township population of around 10,000 and a total regional population of 23,000.

Nestled in the beautiful hillsides on the western slopes of the Great Dividing Range, known as the Central Tablelands of New South Wales, Mudgee is a comfortable three and a half hour drive beyond the Blue Mountains (260km) north west of Sydney or three hours from Newcastle.

A stylish village enclave that’s renowned for its wines, mines and honey in addition to its pub, café and shopping culture, Mudgee is emerging from these roots with a boutique distillery, local chocolatier and brewery adding to its tourist appeal.

Heritage architectural buildings and homes are scattered throughout the town and surrounds, giving Mudgee the allure of a bygone era with a central streetscape ideal for leisurely strolls.

Australian pub culture is prominent, locals and visitors alike can relax and enjoy beautiful live music in traditional country beer gardens or trendy pocket style wine bars.

Family and friends can put the daily grind aside and linger over a latte whilst wandering through the Farmer’s Markets, gathering fresh regional produce, perhaps for a picnic afternoon in one of the area’s stunning national parks.

Winery tours are exceptionally popular with tourists, visiting Mudgee’s many cellar doors which sell fine quality wines, artisan cheeses and much more. The region has grown into a thriving wine and food producing district. In the last few years, mining has again become a substantial industry player, particularly coal and there is a new influx of families relocating.

A strong percentage of “Tree Change” residents who traded city life for the joys of country living gives the Region’s culture a strong metropolitan flavour.

Schools

• 3 Public High Schools
• 8 Primary Schools
• 1 K-6 Catholic School
• 1 K-12 Catholic School

Daycare Centres

• Puggles Child Care Centre
• Mudgee Little Learners
• Gowrie NSW Mudgee
• Squeakers Long Daycare
• Milestones Early Learning
• Kiddie Academy
• Happy Days Gulgong

Recreation

• 70 Sports Groups
• 10 Gyms & Exercise facilities
• 65 Interest Groups
• 69 Parks across the region

The road trip

From Sydney:

around 3.5 hours along the Great Western Highway through the Blue Mountains, or follow the Bells Line of Road to Lithgow. The turn off for Mudgee is just past Lithgow (the last traffic lights you’ll see for a while), then look out for our billboard with exit instructions (2km). On your journey, be sure to plan enough time for a detour to explore the gorgeous heritage towns of Gulgong, Rylstone and Kandos.

From Newcastle:

take the famous Bylong Valley Way for a 4 hour drive via Maitland, Denman and Sandy Hollow. Turn at Sandy Hollow and explore the villages of Rylstone or Kandos before arriving in Mudgee. Alternatively, take the road via Merriwa and Ulan to Gulgong or Mudgee.

From Canberra:

5 hours via Yass, Cowra and Wellington or via Cowra and Bathurst or via The Tablelands Way through Goulburn, Crookwell and Oberon to Bathurst, then Wattle Flat, Sofala and Mudgee. The road is fully sealed, easy peasy.

From Wollongong:

To make a formal offer on this property, please fill in the form below and will will give you a call to discuss your offer further.

Please note that this written Notice of Offer does not bind either party to an agreement, the buyer may change their mind at any stage up to exchange of contracts with no penalty. Should there be multiple offers of the same figure terms and conditions will be investigated or a second round of offers will be announced.

New properties are coming onto the market all the time, and in these competitive times, it can be hard for buyers to keep up! The good news? By simply setting up your own McGrath Buyer Alert, you can make sure you’re the first to hear about any new listings that meet your criteria. Just enter your info, sit back, and let us take care of the rest.

Did you know…

If you’re a first home buyer and you’re buying or building a new home, you may qualify for a $10,000 grant under the First Home Owner Grant (New Homes) scheme if you purchase date was on or after 1 January 2016.

You can make a claim for the First Home Owner Grant if your:

• newly constructed home or a substantially renovated home has a total value less than $600,000
• land for building and any dwelling you intend to build has a combined value less than $750,000.

As a first home buyer, you may also be eligible for a transfer duty concession or exemption.

• If your home is valued at less than $650,000, you can apply for a full exemption so that you don’t have to pay transfer duty.
• If the value of your home is between $650,000 and $800,000, you can apply for a concessional rate of transfer duty. The amount you’ll have to pay will be based on the value of your home.