GARDEN lovers will fawn over the beauty of the the sprawling, historic estate of Chapel House which once belonged to Australia’s best known contemporary artist.
The Rydal property, once owned by John Olsen and his late wife Katharine, has been returned to market by its current owners and garden extraordinaires Michael and Jo Maxwell.
The iconic 74 hectare property at 22 Mark Street consists of a mix of historic buildings surrounded by feature gardens. The eight-bedroom Georgian-style main home was built by Franciscan monks who occupied the land in the early to mid-1920s. Visitors will also find an old Cobb and Co Inn and a cottage that was extended a storey in the 1970s to include Mr Olsen’s art studio.
During his decade at the property Mr Olsen painted some of his best works, including his Spring at Rydal work (1992).
The Maxwells purchased the property from the Olsens in 1998.
Mrs Maxwell describes the turn of events with a chuckle.
“We were living in Mosman in Sydney at the time and we weren’t looking to move to the country,” Mrs Maxwell said.
“Michael and his brother were in the area when they saw a sales brochure for the property hanging up in a service station where they had stopped to refuel.”
The sales brochure had been put together by the Olsens – it consisted of photographs stuck onto an A4 page.
“Michel made an appointment to see property right there and then,” she said.
Unbeknownst to Mrs Maxwell, a deal was sealed.
“Weeks later at the family dinner table Michael passed the brochure around the table. The four children and I agreed the place was magnificent and Michael said ‘well don’t say anymore, you’ll all be seeing it on the weekend’”.
Mrs Maxwell said she was blown away by the prestige property upon first sight. She remembers her mother, who had accompanied the family on their trip, had described it as ‘Camelot’.
The bones of the garden had been established by the Olsens but Maxwells have worked passionately to transform their surrounds. There are now nine acres of manicured lawns and cold climate garden.
In spring thousands of daffodils provide a sea of yellow, giving way to irises and roses in summer. Take a wander and you will discover a formal rose garden, numerous rose covered arbours, neatly trimmed hedges, two ornamental lakes with resident geese, elegant fountains, huge expanses of lawn, an interesting selection of perennials and wonderful specimen trees which provide the perfect spot under which to picnic.
The Maxwells have opened their garden for charity functions on many occasions.
Their property is being offered via an expressions of interest campaign through Nicolette van Wijngaarden from Unique Estates.