Bonnor Court, 12 Harden Road, Artarmon
Artarmon heritage home on the market for first time since 1915
- an example of Federation Queen Anne style
- also has Federation Bungalow style
A weekend Artarmon auction offering has sold for a record $2.82 million.
- The four-bedroom house at 12 Harden Road was offered for the first time in 99 years selling through agent Danny Grant, of Ray White Lower North Shore.
- Some 27 contracts were issued with six registered bidders who’d been given a price guide of around $2.5 million.
- It sold to a local family with four children who lived in the next block, the local News Ltd paper reported.SALES & AUCTIONS JONATHAN CHANCELLOR | 14 JULY 2014
Price guide : About $2.5 million
This elegant 1913 Federation house was built to impress and it still does today. A wraparound verandah gives access to the house at three points other than the main entry: the former reception room, now used as a second bedroom, the main bedroom, and the lounge room.
Feature property: Heritage property with scope to divide: 12 Harden Road, Artarmon
- The cosy and oh-so inviting lounge has a fireplace and a huge circular window that once framed views of the bushland that surrounded the property.
- Today, established gardens with hydrangeas, dahlias, roses, daisies and azaleas are on offer, along with a tennis court, built in the 1930s and one of only two remaining in the area.
The grounds, including a gazebo, at 1385 square metres, are something of a showstopper in their own right.
- The property consists of two lots and may be subdivided into two titles again (subject to council approval).
- Joe Agius, president of the NSW chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects, says that while it is a beautifully detailed and built Federation house, the grounds really ought to be subdivided for sustainability reasons.
The kitchen and bathroom are dowdy and lack the grandeur of the rest of the house.
- The agent, Danny Grant, of Ray White Lower North Shore, suggests an open-plan extension at the rear, which would be out of sight from the front, yet surrounded by gardens. The house also has third and fourth bedrooms.
- It is not hard to see why this house – which is a heritage item – was held by the same family since 1915.[1]
Landmark Federation Home on 2 Blocks
Positioned in one of Artarmon’s most sought after streets, this landmark Federation residence offers a truly rare opportunity to secure a classic family home with the potential to extend and/or subdivide for an additional dwelling (STCA).
- It is a home of significant local heritage on an approximate 1,400sqm parcel, over 2 blocks, and features generously proportioned interiors, traditional details and beautiful established gardens.
- With the added advantage of a tennis court, this timeless retreat enjoys a peaceful private setting and is on the market for the first time in 99 years.[2]
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| 12 Harden Road, Artarmon |
- 2 blocks under 1 title (known as Lots 2-3, DP4951) this property offers the rare opportunity to subdivide or develop (STCA)
- Lot 2 features a solid c1913 Federation home on attractive sandstone foundations
- Lot 3 features sweeping level lawns and gardens
- Full size tennis court, one of only 2 within the suburb
- Generous layout includes lounge with feature circular window
- Neat and tidy kitchen plus good sized separate dining area
- Four spacious bedrooms includes main with shower ensuite
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| Julie Hare at 12 Harden Rd, Artarmon, which has been in her family for 99 years. |
A GRAND Federation home in Artarmon is on the market for the first time in 99 years.
It has a price guide of around $2.5 million.
The four-bedroom property at 12 Harden Rd, which sits on 1400sq m, has been tightly held by Julie Hare’s family since 1915.[3]
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| 12 Harden Road, Artarmon |
“It was my aunt’s house and her parents bought it as newlyweds,’’ Ms Hare said.
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| Historic Artarmon house for sale |
Her aunt, Elsie Margaret (known to everyone as Elma), lived in the house her entire life.
She was a schoolteacher and her last post was as the principal of Chatswood Infants.
“Even at the age of 91 she would be out there sitting on the lawn pulling out weeds,’’ Ms Hare said.
“She played croquet and bowls … she was an active woman. She played tennis until well into her 80s.
“Everyone knew her because she lived there for so long.’’
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| 12 Harden Rd, Artarmon |
The heritage listed property features a tennis court, which is thought to be one of only two courts left in Artarmon.
The interior of the house is like a time capsule, with many items owned by Elma still left untouched.
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| 12 Harden Rd, Artarmon |
Ms Hare and her two children, Max and Zoe, moved in last year when Elma died.
“It’s a beautiful house to live in. It’s supremely quiet and there’s an aura about it,’’ she said.
“We love the graciousness of it. And we love the fact that it was Elma’s.’’
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| The property’s impressive gardens. |
Selling agent Danny Grant, of Ray White Lower North Shore, said the size of the land is a rarity in the area.
“It’s an iconic property and is well known for its gardens which spread over the two blocks,” Mr Grant said.
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| 12 Harden Rd, Artarmon |
“There are two lots of around 700sq m. The house sits on one lot and the second lot is completely undeveloped, aside from the gardens.
“While council will want you to be sympathetic to the existing heritage house, buyers have the opportunity to subdivide and build a second home on the vacant lot. The resale potential could then be around $5 million with two properties and two titles.’’
The median house price in Artarmon is $1.7 million, according to RP Data.
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| 12 Harden Rd, Artarmon |
The House
■ The property goes to auction on July 12.
■ It has only sold once in its history. It was built in 1913 and originally called Bonnor Court
■ The land the house sits on was formerly an orchard
Federation Home 