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ONE of the finest examples of early Hawkesbury architecture, ‘Benson House’ is scheduled to go to auction on Saturday, May 19 with a price guide of $2.75 million - $3 million.
The majestic Georgian residence was built for William Murry Benson, a shipwright, his wife Marion and their family in the early 1840s as a single-story dwelling with a barn, detached kitchen and other outbuildings.
The home was extended with the addition of a second storey in the 1890s by Prosper Henry Ridge who was very active in local affairs and served as mayor from 1892 to 1896.
It has most recently been held by the Kelly family, who have spent the past four years meticulously restoring the “grand old lady” while operating their business, D & J Kelly Building Co.
“It’s been a labour of love,” Dan Kelly said.
“We wanted to pay homage to the original family, the Benson family, and we wanted to create a homely feel so it’s not just a museum.”
The landmark house includes stunning marble fireplaces, soaring 12ft pressed metal ceilings, hand-crafted Australian western red cedar joinery, beautiful imported French crystal chandeliers and a bespoke hand-painted French-inspired kitchen.
The former servants' quarters and scullery, linked to the main residence by a convict brick-paved courtyard, provide self-contained accommodation.
Mr Kelly described their incredible transformation work as “enhancing old bones”.
“We’re proud and happy for the next family to move in and enjoy it,” he said.
“It’s been a privilege and we’ve left our positive mark on the place.”
Benson House is located within Richmond’s exclusive dress circle on an impressive 2586sq m allotment with spectacular views over the lowlands to the mountains in the distance.
The property is framed by beautiful French iron entrance gates and features level lawns, a vast selection of ornamental trees, a classic imported French gazebo, French sandstone water feature, original well and a historic sculpture of Queen Victoria.
“To own a 180-year-old renovated house in Australia, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime to secure a piece of history,” Mr Kelly said.
“This is the best house, in the best street and you won’t duplicate it.”
Ray White North Richmond sales executive Cindy Cash said Benson House has a distinguished pedigree and is steeped in local history.
“It’s only 40 minutes from Sydney but it feels like a country estate,” Ms Cash said.
“It’s very elegant and is like walking into another world, but it still has a lovely feel of a family home.”
Main residence:
Grand entry foyer and hallways with wide timber floorboards and cedar joinery
Study with original wall stencils, marble fireplace, 19th century French crystal chandelier
Family living room with pressed metal ceilings, marble fireplaces and chandeliers
Bespoke kitchen with Smeg Victorian-style 110cm dual fuel free-standing oven/stove
Exposed beams, deep porcelain sink, large pantry, Caesarstone benchtops
Family dining room, sitting room, downstairs bathroom combined laundry
Main bathroom w Georgian cast iron bath, marble tiles and 18th century French oak vanity
Four huge upstairs bedrooms with marble fireplaces and master with balcony access
Wraparound veranda, internal staircase and balustrade of Australian western red cedar
Secondary accommodation:
Large bedroom with built in wardrobes
New kitchen with S/S gas oven and pantry, combined laundry/bathroom
Central family living and dining room with slow combustion fireplace
Additional features:
Workshop/storage shed, rain water tank, fully irrigated gardens
Subterranean cellar, vegetable garden, well and outhouse
Brand new timber front fence and iron entrance gates imported from France
Auction: 19th May 2018, 11am, on-site
Inspect: Saturdays, 11.00am – 11.30am or by appointment
