A unique artist’s house is up for sale in northern NSW.
It looks like something straight out of a medieval adventure – but it’s not in Sherwood Forest but a lush NSW rainforest dotted with hills.
In one of the most unusual listings, a unique medieval-style house described as a “castle” has come up for sale in the Byron Bay hinterland and includes stone architecture and plenty of gargoyles.
The castle was designed as a historical expression of Professor Robert Pope, director of the Science-Art Research Centre, and was structurally completed in 1995.
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The Uki property listed for about $2.95 million has hosted numerous medieval-themed weddings and has also been used at various times as a bed and breakfast.
The house is built from stone from a nearby quarry.
There is a tribute to the Roman goddess Diana.
It includes a wooden gatehouse and a main house with an indoor garden atrium and hall capable of seating 100 people. Most of the structure is a mix of stone and wooden beams.
Selling agent Ku Darroch of Byron Bay Property Sales said the owners had succeeded in creating a “fantasy land”.
“It’s one of a kind,” he said. “It’s full of beautiful beams, there’s a real stillness to it. It’s like a grand European manor.”
The property has hosted weddings.
The house was built in 1995.
Out the back are eight arches known as “Diana’s Temple” in tribute to the Roman goddess of the moon, also a mythological huntress and warrior. Nearby Mount Warning can be viewed through the arches.
Included in the sale are an assortment of rare sculptures by the artist owners, many mixing medieval and Greek and Roman mythology themes.
A “Dragon Warrior” sculpture on a stone column in the front garden shows a knight riding a dragon’s back. It was reported to represent the struggle between life and death.
There is a gatehouse with three bedrooms.
There are numerous installations inside.
Stone and wooden beams dominate the interior.
One of the interior installations represents an ancient astronomy device for observing stars. This style of wheel was also frequently used during the Renaissance era.
Mr Darroch said the house had hosted numerous medieval style dinners, along with other exclusive private parties.
The main residence has five bedrooms – three with ensuites, plus two separate living rooms and two kitchens. There is also an upstairs entertainment room.
The property comes with rare sculptures, such as the above “Dragon Warrior”.
Other sculptures were inspired by Roman and Greek mythology.
All the main living spaces have large windows that bring the lush, tropical landscaped gardens indoors.
The 150 sqm gatehouse has three bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchenette and an open-plan dining room and living space.
Mr Darroch said Uki had largely flown under the radar of buyers in recent years, despite the increased buying activity in the Byron Bay area since the COVID outbreak.
“If this house was in Byron it would (cost) five times more. It’s a truly beautiful area and a bit of an undiscovered gem.”