Minimbah House in the Hunter Valley for sale for $10 million

Described by prominent heritage architect Robin Graham as “one of New South Wales’, if not Australia’s, grandest and finest rural mansion houses”, the two-storey U-shaped abode comprises three wings with covered verandahs on both levels and original features including tessellated mosaic tiles, copper wall panelling, soaring ceilings and a grand ornate staircase.

Now, the Ords, who run Potters Hotel microbrewery in Cessnock, have brought Hunter Valley’s grande dame back from the brink, after purchasing it for $1.1 million in 2013 after the then dilapidated mansion had been passed in at auction.

In the ensuing decade, the couple have undertaken a major restoration of the nine-bedroom, nine-bathroom property located about a two-hour drive from Sydney or one-hour drive north of Newcastle.

Now, the last of their children has left for boarding school, the Ords have opted to list given there is no more need for the acre of under-roof living space.

The 2.83-hectare landholding has views over the Broken Back Range and Pokolbin, and comes with a pool, pool house, tennis court, landscape design by Paul Bangay, and extensive remediation works on the roof and watchtower, which was once used as a lookout to spot bushrangers.

Selling agent Cain Beckett of Jurd’s Real Estate says he expects a city-based buyer from Sydney or Newcastle, but has not ruled out recently minted Singleton locals.

“There is a $100 million Powerball-winning couple in Singleton,” Mr Beckett said, referring to the town’s recent jackpot winners.

Mr Beckett said in terms of facade appeal, Minimbah House – which is subject to local heritage protection – occupies rarefied air.

“I get to see all the pretty houses, this one makes an impression like very few,” Mr Beckett said. “It is the best house in the Hunter Valley and the vendors have done extensive work to modernise it.”