Newstead Masonic Hall: What’s planned after $1.3m sale
A grand old Tasmanian Masonic Hall, which was built in the 1950s, will have new life breathed into it. WHAT’S PLANNED >>
East Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from East Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A northern Tasmanian Masonic hall built in the 1950s has sold for more than $1.3m, with the property’s agent revealing what the new owners have planned for the site.
‘Lodge Heather’, located at 64 Robin St, Newstead, has stood vacant for several years, since several Masonic lodges amalgamated and moved into the Launceston Masonic Centre on Brisbane St.
Now, the grand old building – constructed in 1952 – is set to enter a new phase of its history, after selling for $1.305m.
Boasting a solid brick exterior and approximately 471 sqm of blank canvas interior, the building is split over two levels and features large-proportion rooms, kitchen, men’s and women’s bathrooms, storage rooms, a foyer, off-street parking, security system and split-system heating and cooling.
Agent George Bushby, of Bushby Property Group, said the new owner of the site planned to convert it into boutique office space.
The site is currently zoned general residential.
Mr Bushby said the property was only on the market for one week and Freemasonry Tasmania received four offers.
“It had interest from a broad audience, from office-use to those wanting to convert the building into residential apartments or to convert it into a residential house,” he said.
“We specialise in selling prestige properties throughout Launceston, but this was a unique offering as it had a lot of different potentials with mixed-use.”
WATCH: Mountaintop tower with stunning views up for grabs
The mind truly wanders when looking at The Keep, a ‘fortified tower’ retreat on a spectacular 650m peak with 360-degree views of Tasmania’s northeast corner.
The vista takes in Bass Strait Islands to the Eddystone Point Lighthouse and is less that 30 minutes away from Tasmania’s premiere mountain biking hub at Derby.
The Keep has operated as high end accommodation since July 2020 but on March 17, it was put on the market.
Knight Frank Northern Tasmania’s Peter Dehnert said The Keep, which is modelled on a Scottish fortified tower, has operated at 90 per cent occupancy since it opened as a tourism venture.
“The Keep has featured in major national and international media and forward bookings indicate that level of interest will continue on into the foreseeable future,” he said.
Mr Dehnert described the accommodation starting on the first floor containing the master bedroom, featuring a fabulous outlook, shares the level to an impressively appointed, fully tiled central bathroom.
“Above that, the living and dining areas make the most of views that will simply make you stop and stare, mesmerised by a landscape that seems to never end, captivated by the untamed beauty of natural bushland and Bass Strait waters that lie beyond,” he said.
Mr Dehnert said the well-equipped kitchen boasts elite appliances and granite surfaces.
“This further enhances spaces that feature polished oak floors, efficient hydronic heating, effective double glazing and e-glass windows as well as comprehensive insulation and an entirely off-grid solar panel system and battery bank, supported by automatic generator back-up,” he said.
The Keep‘s views span Tasmania’s North and East coasts, including the Bass Straight islands, South Mount Cameron, Georges Bay, St Helens Island and Mount Elephant – with a bounty of nature at the doorstep
“The Blue Tier’s rainforest escarpment is closer at hand and night time lights from the Eddystone Lighthouse provide a rhythm to relax by. Free from neighbours, The Keep’s 101ha borders the Blue Tier Forest Reserve, populated by myrtle, sassafras, celery-top pine, Tasmanian pepper and tree ferns,” he said.
“Tasmanian wildlife includes wombats, quolls, pademelons, wallabies and wedge-tailed eagles.”
The Keep has daytime views towards Tasmania’s Northern and Eastern coasts, including the Bass Straight islands, South Mount Cameron, Georges Bay, St Helens Island and Mount Elephant.
“The Blue Tier’s rainforest escarpment is closer at hand and night time lights from the Eddystone Lighthouse provide a rhythm to relax by. Free from neighbours, The Keep’s 101ha borders the Blue Tier Forest Reserve, populated by myrtle, sassafras, celery-top pine, Tasmanian pepper and tree ferns,” Mr Dehnert said.
“Tasmanian wildlife includes wombats, quolls, pademelons, wallabies and wedge-tailed eagles.”
Mr Dehnert said The Keep has been a significantly successful short-stay accommodation.
“It could become the purchaser’s own exclusive escape – or a brilliant balance of both,” he said.
As for the price tag? The keep was to be sold by expressions of interest, which close on Thursday, April 28.
Bedridden handyman gets a community hand-up
Bicheno local Wayne Hearps is bedridden for the next five weeks after a nasty fall left him with severe injuries. Now, the Tasmanian East Coast community is rallying behind him.
Simple but sweet beachfront Tassie getaway
Sitting around the firepit, enjoying molten marshmallows and spectacular water views at Swansea Beach Chalets was a reminder that sometimes the simplest holiday activities are often the best.