Artist’s sanctuary in a coastal national park hits the market
A breathtaking private sanctuary that was the final home of famous Australian artist Sir Russell Drysdale has been listed for sale, offering a rare chance to own a piece of history and serenity.
Nestled within Bouddi National Park on the New South Wales Central Coast, Bouddi Farm, situated at 265 The Scenic Road, Killcare Heights, was built in 1966 for Drysdale and his wife Maisie.
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Designed by famed architect Guildford Bell – who was a friend of Drysdale – the eight bedroom, heritage-listed mid-century modern home was built in 1966.
It was designed into three pavilions – for work, living and sleeping which are connected via a 50m hallway.
Lucille and Gordon Sandes bought the renowned property in 2001, and said it has been an amazing place to live.
“For a long time, when we first came here, people referred to it as ‘Maisie’s house’ – it wasn’t our house at all,” Mrs Sandes said.
“We would have people just wandering down the drive coming to have a look, and I would say, ‘Can I help you?”
When the couple first bought Bouddi Farm it was not in “good order”, Mrs Sandes said, and they undertook a major sympathetic reconstruction of the residence.
“We faithfully followed … sort of not changing but just replacing what was there, sorting out all the bad bits and replacing with good bits,” she said.
“If (the) Drysdales walked into the house now, looking at our kitchen, which we totally stripped out and rebuilt, they wouldn’t notice anything different.”
Set on a sprawling 4.62ha landholding, the home’s long list of standout features include floor to ceiling glass panels and sliding doors, a library, two courtyards, a separate one bedroom studio which was once Drysdale’s art studio, as well as a three bedroom, two bathroom cottage.
The Sandes’ successfully applied to have Bouddi Farm included on the NSW State Heritage Inventory.
The register notes Bouddi Farm is a ‘highly distinctive, finely designed and substantial house of the era’.
‘It’s restrained design features many of the characteristics for which Bell was best known, including strong axial planning, ritualised entries, harmonious proportions, a Palladian plan of pavilions and the stark use of high-quality materials,’ it stated.
The register states that Bouddi Farm is of state significance for its association with the prominent Australian artist Sir Russell Drysdale, who was recognised as one of the first Australian artists to examine the complex relationships between the landscape and inhabitants of inland Australia.
Drysdale was knighted in 1969 for his services to art, and awarded the Companion of the Order of Australia in 1980.
He died of cancer in 1981 at his home, and wife Maisie passed away in 2001.
Joint selling agent Lea Turner from Ray White Killcare said she felt privileged to be appointed to sell Bouddi Farm, with many Australian art lovers and artists expressing interest.
“Some of the local art folk are hoping somebody will buy it and will have the possibility of having some kind of art gallery, or having something open but also having somebody who has the home,” she said.
“It’s such a beautiful property and the home is lovely.”
The property is set for auction on April 12.
