Historic Coledale home Rothesay hits market for first time in 30 years after owners sell up

A NSW South Coast home with strong links to the Coledale area’s history is on the market after 30 years in its current ownership.

The property, ‘Rothesay’ is located at 23 Buttenshaw Drive, Coledale.

The four-bedroom home sits on 2234 square metres of land on the western side of the seaside village, which lies about 18km north of Wollongong. The home is privately positioned behind a front hedge, surrounded by gardens and mature trees.

In the early 1900s, the property was owned by the local coalmining company, known as North Bulli Colliery. It was claimed to be the home of mine manager, Thomas Cater.

The house was reportedly unique in the Coledale area; brick Federation in style, on a large parcel of land on the hill.

It faced away from the current street frontage, towards the east, in anticipation of another road which was never developed.

As visible from the street, the back of the house has Victorian design elements.

William Plowman purchased the property in 1909. He was on the board of Yates Gardening for many years, travelling the world collecting plants. In honour of his wife he planted heart-shaped gardens; one at the front and one at the back.

Rothesay was bought by Frank Cater in 1928. He was the son of mine manager Thomas, and reportedly active in the Coledale community.

Subsequently, the Hinchcliff family bought the property. Mr Hinchcliff added a sleep-out on the corner verandah to accommodate their children. He installed garden terraces, a fountain, and the present day circular path.

Mrs Plowman’s heart-shaped garden beds would eventually surrender to the circle shape.

Rothesay next changed hands in 1947, and then in 1949.

In 1951, Ken and Philomena Clements, a young couple recently arrived from England, spotted the house in a newspaper advertisement. They didn’t know anything about Coledale, but took the train down from Sydney out of interest.

The taxi driver reportedly wouldn’t take them all the way up the hill along what was then a mere track, so they walked. Nevertheless, they fell in love with Rothesay and the area, and decided it would be their home.

They lived there for 37 years, during which time they planted the huge oak and developed a prize-winning garden. The oak was from a seed they brought from India on their journey to Australia.

In 1988, actor John Hargreaves, who had starred in films such as Don’s Party and Malcolm, purchased the home as a coastal retreat.

He sold the home a few years later.

The current owners have been at the property since 1994, and said they felt fortunate to have the large garden among bushland surrounds, with its escarpment views near the sea.

The current owner said the home was “atmospheric, quiet, and a sanctuary for birdlife”.

She said they would be sad to part with the home, as they planned to downsize.

“It’s such a lovely place to live up here on the hill, because you’re away from the hustle and bustle of that main road,” she said.

“We see the ocean, and it’s really peaceful.

“The views of the escarpment towards the north are a favourite feature. And I love the old garden features. We’ve tried not to muck around too much with the traditional feel of the garden.”

The home today maintains many original features, including ornate cornices, ceiling roses and picture rails.

An eat-in country style kitchen has modern appliances, with French doors opening onto a terrace. A studio provides additional work from home opportunities, an artist’s space, or a sleep-out.

The home is for sale via expressions of interest, with a price guide in the high $2 million range.

Selling agent, Andrew Hedley from One Agency said the property had already attracted strong early interest from Sydney and northern Illawarra buyers.

“It’s so unique, being usable land, very private, and has a fascinating history,” he said.

“You don’t see this in this area very often, but you’ve got both Victorian and Federation architecture.

“There’s plenty of external elements that are still original, and some internal elements that remain as well.”

This story was first published on view.com.au as A piece of history: ‘Atmospheric, quiet’ Coledale home on the market