In a sought-after pocket of Newcastle real estate where homes rarely change hands, a property that has been in the same family for nearly 50 years has been listed for sale and is expected to generate plenty of interest.
Todd Mason, of McGrath New Lambton, launched 79 Carrington Parade in New Lambton to market through the week and described it as a rare offering.
It features a large four-bedroom home, built in 1925, set back from the road and surrounded by extensive gardens on a near-level block 2130 square metres in size with a northern aspect and wide frontage.
The property has been the home of the Keats family since 1966, when it was bought by the late John and Daphne Keats, who were both professors in psychology at the University of Newcastle and well-known identities of the city.
Their daughter Rosemary Leonard said selling the much-loved and enjoyed family home will be a loss.
She said her parents had loved the gardens and amount of space the property offers, as well as its location opposite Blackbutt Reserve.
"It's very quiet and private and because of the bush there's lots of bird life," Ms Leonard said.
"It's a dead-end street and it feels like you have that privacy and your own space."
The home epitomises gracious living of yesteryear. All rooms in the home are generously proportioned.
There is formal and informal living and dining spaces, high ceilings, pictures rails, wide skirting boards, French doors and an open fireplace.
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The main bedroom has a bay window, there is a large study which could be a fifth bedroom, and the home has plenty of natural light.
A prized feature has been the glassed-in verandah that soaks up the sun and overlooks the gardens and in-ground swimming pool.
"It is such a delight to sit there, especially in winter, and to look out at the view," Ms Leonard said.
It is surrounded by some of Newcastle's most prestigious properties and is close to New Lambton Public School, John Hunter Hospital and New Lambton Village.
A price guide has not yet been set due to the uniqueness of the property.
"It's very rare in the fact that it's over 2000 square metres with a 32 metre frontage, which is almost unheard of," Mr Mason said.
"It's got a northerly aspect at the rear, is surrounded by quality homes and is on two lots on the one title.
"I think the opportunity would be for someone to build that dream home or landmark property. It's got the land size to be one of the best addresses in the area."
Inspections are all by appointment.
