'Finest English estate' in a town of just 81, for sale for the first time since 1875

A luxurious country estate in a mountain town established as a retreat for the wealthy in the late 1800s has hit the market.

It is the first time the property, which covers 205 acres and features a grand seven-bedroom home, has ever been listed for sale.

"It's been held by the one family since 1875," said listing agent Chris Malone of Elders Emms Mooney.

He said the property had originally been used as a summer retreat, one of several in the "hill station" of Mount Wilson in the NSW Blue Mountains, around two hours west of Sydney.

The village was established as a fashionable retreat for wealthy Sydney families as they attempted to escape the summer heat in the cooler mountain climate in the late 1800s and early 20th century.

Today, the area is known for its handful of homes with large cool-climate gardens, which are open to the public in spring and autumn.

Despite being just two hours by road from Sydney, the area has a tiny full-time population of just 81 according to the latest ABS figures.

The Wynstay Estate is the largest private landholding and was purchased by Richard Wynne, a wealthy merchant from Sydney who made his money importing building materials.

His dream was to create an English Park estate with grand architecture.

He is also the man who founded the prestigious Wynne art prize.

Today, that vision remains intact with five significant buildings set amongst manicured gardens and further land that sits adjacent to a national park.

That includes the Georgian Revival-style grand sandstone homestead, which was completed between 1921 and 1923, boasting sweeping views over the Blue Mountains and Wollemi National Park.

There is also the original 1875 Carpenter Gothic cottage, Old Wynstay, a four-bedroom Victorian-style home which was built in 1880 and The Lodge, the original gatekeeper's lodge, which was built in 18919 and features a striking hexagonal plan.

"Some restoration needs to be done, but overall it is a beautiful, grand estate with amazing views," said Mr Malone.

There are plenty of original features that can be highlighted.

This includes original floorboards that were hand-cut by the original owner out of rejected Blue Mountains railway sleepers in the 1875-built Carpenter Gothic Cottage.

Meanwhile, in Old Wynstay, there is a wraparound verandah featuring Italian stained glass.

A unique feature of the estate is a private Turkish bath house constructed in 1892. The brick structure, surrounded by gardens, features patterned ceramic floors, painted vaulted ceilings and arched double-glazed windows.

The property is one of the largest landholdings in Mount Wilson, and the well-established gardens are eye-catching.

There are ample mature European trees, including conifers, redwoods, magnolias and maples.

The formal gardens also include 'garden rooms', including the Sunken Garden and Italian Garden.

While well-maintained and featuring impressive original features, the buildings and gardens could benefit from further investment.

"The current owners are really hopeful that whoever buys it can bring it back to its former glory," said Mr Malone.

The property is listed for auction on Friday, December 5.