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No.1 Mortimer Ave, Mount Stuart. Picture: Supplied
One of Hobart’s most distinguished Federation mansions has sold to a local family, marking only the third change of ownership since its construction more than 120 years ago.
Werndee, the grand residence at No.1 Mortimer Ave, Mount Stuart, was built in 1903 for the then Premier of Tasmania, Sir Neil Elliott Lewis, and has long been regarded as one of the city’s heritage icons.
The property’s sale price is currently undisclosed.
Jules Hamilton of EIS Property said the buyers were drawn to the home’s extraordinary character from the outset.
“They were immediately captivated by the home’s incredible scale, timeless Federation architecture, and the sense of history that is woven throughout every room,” Mr Hamilton said.
“More than anything, they saw themselves as the next custodians of one of Hobart’s truly special homes.”
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No.1 Mortimer Ave, Mount Stuart.
No.1 Mortimer Ave, Mount Stuart.
The purchasing family intends to use the property for multi-generational living and will not continue operating either the main residence or the self-contained Wren Cottage as visitor accommodation.
Spanning 650sq m across triple-brick lower walls and double brick above, Werndee is set on some 2070sq m of established gardens framed by century-old Bhutan Cypress trees, a citrus grove, fishponds, and a charming gazebo.
Entry is through a shaded wraparound veranda supported by original macrocarpa pillars, leading into a formal reception hall where soaring ceilings, kauri timber floors, intricate joinery, stained-glass windows, and a striking blackwood staircase combine to create an interior of rare and enduring elegance.
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No.1 Mortimer Ave, Mount Stuart.
No.1 Mortimer Ave, Mount Stuart.
A sandstone cellar, multiple formal and informal living spaces, and decorative fireplaces throughout further speak to the home’s exceptional provenance.
Among its most beloved features is the distinctive turret — a whimsical addition conceived by Sir Neil and builder R.J. Stabb while architect Alan C. Walker was overseas — recently restored to offer sweeping views across the city and the River Derwent.
Mr Hamilton described the result as a strong outcome reflective of the property’s unique standing in the Hobart market.
“It is certainly one of the stronger sales achieved in Mount Stuart and reflects just how unique Werndee is within the Hobart market,” he said.
No.1 Mortimer Ave, Mount Stuart.
No.1 Mortimer Ave, Mount Stuart.
The campaign attracted significant interest from interstate buyers, with Mr Hamilton observing that Hobart’s heritage homes continue to appeal to purchasers from interstate who recognise their value relative to comparable historic properties in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane.
“With a property like Werndee, the campaign becomes far more about storytelling than simply listing features,” Hamilton said.
“You’re presenting the opportunity to own and preserve a genuine piece of Tasmania’s architectural history.”
