200 years of history: Kiama’s oldest home awaits its next chapter

A rare 1836 built heritage-listed home thought to be Kiama’s very first permanent residence has hit the market, with an asking price of $2,990,000 to $3,289,000.

The six bedroom, three bathroom property at 19 Saddleback Mountain Road on the NSW south coast is set on a sprawling 3350sqm landholding and includes a second 1800s weatherboard cottage with income potential.

Sales agent Daniel Dajcic from Harcourts Kiama said the home, known as ‘Kendall House,’ is steeped in local legend and architectural beauty and holds the accolade of being Kiama’s very first permanent home.

In its almost 200 year history, the home has had only six owners and Mr Dajcic said the vendors of almost four decades have reached a new stage in their life and were looking to downsize.

“They’re still staying local, but for them, it’s about downsizing and it’s time to pass it on to the next family who can continue the story,” he said.

Mr Dajcic said buyers had been drawn to Kendall House’s significant history and versatility with its dual dwellings, in addition to its proximity to town and beaches.

“It’s been a broad mix [of enquires] – we’ve had Sydney, Southern Highlands, Central Coast. It’s only been on the market four weeks now and enquiry levels have been really strong from out of area,” he said.

According to the NSW State Heritage Inventory, the residence was originally part of the Kendall family’s “Barroull’ Estate where Robert Kendall, son of Thomas Surfleet Kendall, had the home built for his bride, Emma Hunt, circa 1836.

Originally known as “Happy Villa,” the inventory notes that over the years the early cottage has been altered and added to and includes sections from 1866 and circa 1922, while also possibly retaining some fabric of the original c1836 cottage.

Kendall House, constructed from stone, and featuring Victorian and Federation details, the interior features soaring ceilings, original red cedar French doors and restored hardwood flooring.

Curtains imported from London and grand period features such as William Morris wallpaper, skirting boards, an ornate gold-leaf ceiling rose and sash windows are hallmarks of its bygone era.

The self-contained cottage includes two bedrooms, a veranda, and a kitchen, offering the potential for a home business or as a rental property.

The grounds of Kendall House include native birdlife and an orchard featuring avocado, citrus, banana, mulberry, lemon and mandarin trees, as well as a paved alfresco courtyard and terrace.

There is also a 58m gravel driveway to a triple garage, in addition to a single carport and forecourt parking for boats, caravans or extra cars.

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