One of Blayney shire's most historic houses has been purchased by a Sydney buyer who acquired the property sight unseen.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Blenheim in Carcoar has been sold to Sydney art consultant Kate Smith for $854,000.
Built in 1860 by convict turned entrepreneur and member of the NSW Legislative Assembly Barnard Stimpson, Mrs Smith fell in love with the family home as soon as she saw it come up for sale, and so enraptured was she that she still hasn't seen the property in the flesh.
"I really loved that house and I wanted it badly," she said.
"I had heritage people inspect it for me and tell me what condition it's in and they gave it nine and a half out of ten. It's in great nick."
Finding an historic home that hasn't been modernised or tinkered with in some way has proven a challenge for Mrs Smith, whose plans for Blenheim are minimal.
I'm obsessed with colonial architecture and old houses,
- Kate Smith
"I'm obsessed with colonial architecture and old houses," she said.
"I've been looking for one for a long time, and this one ticked all the boxes."
As an art consultant and artist's facilitator, Mrs Smith plans on opening the house for artists-in-residences and on occasion to the general public for special events.
"I'm going to fill it with Australian art and will open it up every so often for open days and art sales," she said.
'It will also be used by artists who will have the peace and beauty of Carcoar as a source of inspiration."
Mrs Smith said the low-key nature of Carcoar and its strong history were all part of the appeal of purchasing Blenheim.
Also the fact that the house was relatively untouched was a big selling point.
"A lot of restorations and improvements to older homes I don't like," she said.
"Blenheim will have all its integrity preserved, I'll be keeping it true to its era."
"The whole town is just beautiful and Blenheim will remain as one of its most historic homes."
DO YOU WANT MORE ORANGE NEWS?
- Receive our free newsletters delivered to your inbox, as well as breaking news alerts. Sign up below ...