Endulge in Elizabethan Elegance in this Shakespearean Sanctuary
Entering the estate through the impressive security gates, you step into a long ago era. Imbued with grace and charm, this unique property was the first in the ambitious project that was to become "The Elizabethan Village". Set on half an acre of land and combining history, art and romance this residence lends itself to becoming the home you have always dreamed of or the tourist attraction and business opportunity you've been looking for. Winner of the 1978 Sir David Brand Award for Tourism, this property has been tenderly maintained by the current owner and is ready to flourish once again.
Every corner of this magnificent residence was lovingly crafted by a man with passion and talent. Born in Birmingham in 1923, Leo Fowler was an intelligent and artistic self-made man whose life was one of great achievements. In 1974 after a life as a successful industrialist, Leo and his wife Margaret left the English Isles to retire in Western Australia and live close to their adult daughters and their families.
Leo and Margaret fell in love with the beauty of the Armadale area and bought land in Bedfordale. Leo having been a visionary all his life could see the potential for something truly unique. Leo and Margaret had been long time collectors of Elizabethan furniture and artefacts and saw in the beautiful landscape the opportunity to expand their passion further by creating an Elizabethan Village and filling each house with authentic 16th century items.
As an engineer and architect, Leo had a full appreciation of the architectural craftsmanship of the Elizabethan age and determined to make the first house an exact replica of Shakespeare's birthplace at Stratford Upon Avon and lovingly and slavishly set to skilfully replicate each peg, beam and board in the building. A quietly spoken and modest man, it seems Leo always had a calling to be great in whatever he undertook and this project was truly his masterpiece.
One of only three replicas of Shakespeare's birthplace to be found in the world, this three storey home has huge timber beams some weighing over a tonne. The expert carpenter and joiner, commissioned from the UK used recycled Jarrah and Wando from locations such as the old Barrack St jetty to achieve the exact look and feel of the original building.
As you step through the front door and into history, you feel completely at home. The openness and space created by the high ceilings with their wood beams overhead and the magic of the leadlight windows, which were imported from England, all add to the home's authenticity, whilst the Toodyay stonework is most attractive to the heart and eye. The ground floor welcomes us via the large foyer, which leads into one of the many spacious lounge areas in the house. Off to the left of the foyer is the first bedroom or "The Garden Room" as it is known. On the right is the marvellous kitchen with its combination of old world charm and modern convenience and from here we access the elegant dining room with its built in bar. The ground floor is also home to an attractive bathroom and excellent laundry room.
Up the notable staircase to the first floor is three bedrooms, the sizeable master bedroom with walk in robe, the lovely "Avon Room" and the splendid "Juliet Room". All the gorgeous bedrooms in the house have equally attractive ensuites. There are also two lounge areas on this floor, overlooking the magnificent grounds of the residence.
The "Stratford Room" and another sizeable space on the second floor showcase the outstanding look and feel of the cathedral ceilings in this singular home.
Every corner of this house has been designed and crafted to perfectly reflect Shakespeare's family home and this history is felt throughout, creating a warmth and connection to something more than just the building itself.
This estate offers something truly unique to the discerning buyer and provides the perfect setting for a bed and breakfast or other tourism venture. This property and its grounds combined with the added advantage of all that the historic Armadale Shire has to offer would become a sanctuary for a large family to enjoy over the years, as it has been lovingly enjoyed by the home's current owner.
The Bard beckons ye.
AUCTION: Saturday 7th March 2015 at 12pm on site unless sold prior.
INSPECTION: Bookings by appointment.
Terms and conditions:
* Deposit $20, 000 at the fall of the hammer.
* Settlement Friday 10th April 2015.
