NSW real estate: This historic cottage for sale in Sydney’s Balmain East is on a street you can’t drive on
If you don’t mind lugging the groceries down the street, then this tiny 1860s cottage close to one of the country’s most famous waterfronts may be for you.
The historic, two-bedroom fisherman’s cottage which is now for sale comes with no parking — and is on a street that does not allow cars.
The upside? It’s a super quiet location and within metres of world-famous Sydney Harbour.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The 1800s original timber property in Sydney’s Balmain East is a far cry from the sprawling modern homes of today.
The historic property comprises just four rooms, each roughly 3x4 metres, with the lounge and dining rooms downstairs and two bedrooms stacked on top.
There is a combined bathroom and laundry and a rear courtyard.
And then there is that parking issue.
“It’s in a street where you can’t actually drive to the property,” said Chris Calvert of LJ Hooker Balmain.
“It’s 20 metres to the harbourfront, there’s a beautiful little park. As far as parking goes, you can park your car opposite the water police, it’s about a two-minute walk,” Mr Calvert said.
According to Inner West Council records, Datchett St where the house is located and its surrounds were the earliest land lots to be subdivided and developed in Balmain, from the 1800s through to the 1860s.
While CoreLogic records do not span that far back, the property - likely built in the 1860s - has had four owners since 1998 and would appeal to those looking for a property with a past.
“The current owner had bought it as an investment and then moved interstate. They had planned to live there,” Mr Calvert said.
“It’s like living in the Blue Mountains but in Balmain East. It’s a lovely little pocket, quiet and all you can hear is birds.”
Mr Calvert said there were no comparable properties in the area and that it was “one-of-a-kind”.
“To buy a two-bedroom, free-standing property in Balmain, you would be hard-pressed to find something at that level.”
“It needs work, but it’s been well maintained,” he said.
And the price? It has a guide of $1.35 million.
The median sales price for houses in Balmain East is currently $3.175 million, according to CoreLogic.
The property goes to auction at 4.45pm, Saturday, April 6.
This story was originally published as Walk this way: historic prime spot cottage is on a street you can’t drive on on view.com.au
