Well, here we are in 2022. A new year and a world of openings awaits for those who will take advantage of opportunities sitting quietly; ready to be taken up by those with enthusiasm and energy. I often think opportunities pass us by because so often we are focused on today rather than taking the long view. This culture is exacerbated by the presentation of news and concentration on negatives, rather than exploring the successes that a more optimistic outlook brings. Generally many of us are happy in our comfort zone, not seeking any better and quite comfortable with our lot in life. This was brought home to me this weekend when watching Landline where a young couple mortgaged to the hilt had their farm burnt out in New South Wales losing stock, pasture and fencing but not an unshakeable belief in agriculture as their future. They still have the farm and have added a thriving business around direct supply of meat products to consumers concerned to know as to where and how these products are produced. Thinking outside the square and not wallowing in grief has made their success.
More than one person in our local history has been successful showing a bit of entrepreneurial flair and spirit and one of them was the builder of the home that we are featuring this week at 191 Kent road, Hamilton. When you look at this home it reminds me of a plantation homestead developed by a family who could well have been comfortable in their own circumstances but chose to contribute widely to their community. It was built by a local builder for his own family and, around the time it was constructed, he was responsible for building a number of homes around the northern sections of Hamilton. His contribution to the community is commemorated in a street and park named after the family and there are another couple of examples of similar homes to this one, built by him in town.
The home is very solidly built and has a commanding presence on this huge corner block of over a half acre. It has a semi circular driveway on the Kent Road frontage and the property is surrounded by a mature garden which was, as I remember, exceptionally well kept by a former owner who was another builder, and who was probably responsible for the updating of this property from its original origins. The rooms in the home are of good proportions and the layout is very suitable for our current style of family living.
The front doors bring you into a wide and welcoming entry preparing you for the period features of ceiling roses, decorative cornices and polished timber floors. The entry opens to the original dining and living rooms separated from each other by wide double bi fold doors. The windows are fitted with quality furnishings and these rooms are carpeted and serviced by a split system. The rooms also have both of the original brick fireplace surrounds intact in keeping with the period.
The large and modern farmhouse style kitchen is immediately adjacent to the family living and it has been fitted with a new pyrolytic oven, gas cook top and dishwasher. It is also serviced by the large country style pantry with open shelving so that the stores and preserves can be separated and immediately accessed. The kitchen also opens to the north facing outdoor living overlooking the rear garden. An outdoor toilet at the end of the verandah is an attractive addition for those enjoying outside entertaining as guest do not need to traverse the house to attend the facility.
The home has three large bedrooms all with built in wardrobes. The bedrooms surround the updated family bathroom fitted with a separate shower but showing signs of its heritage with a lovely claw foot bath and timber topped vanity unit.
At the rear of the home there is a detached studio and office which is of very good size and would lend itself to conversion to an Air B & B subject to any necessary approvals. It would also make a very attractive separate guest suite or teenage den. There is also further detached shedding which includes a carport, a caravan or boat shed and workshop. There is also a separate garden shed.
This is a pretty special type of home looking for that enthusiastic person who grasps opportunities turning them into success stories. If you want to take advantage of the opportunities that a new year brings you should seriously consider taking a look and evaluating if this is the beginning of a whole new world for you and your family.
The property is for sale by a fixed date being the 10th February at 4pm unless it is sold prior and the agents have indicated a buyer range of $450 to 475,000.00. The choice is yours as to whether you get in early or wait until the death knock and perhaps snag a bargain. Opportunities involve choices. In this case the choice is yours.
191 Kent Road, Hamilton. Price $450-475,000.00. Contact Darren Groves at Groves Real Estate, Corner Gray and Brown Streets, Hamilton on 0419 735228
