New owners for $1.35M Belmont Homestead reveal their plans

A Swansea homestead was one of four Tasmanian homes that fetched more than $1 million in the first week of May — selling for $1.35 million. Now, the new owners have revealed their plans.

Belmont Homestead at Swansea sold for $1.35 million.

THERE are worse places to semi-retire than on a sprawling country homestead in the middle of Tasmanian wine country, so for Maureen and John Leedham, they’re living the dream.

The New South Wales couple are the new owners of Belmont Homestead — a 5.83ha property on the banks of the Wye River just north of Swansea.

It was one of four Tasmanian homes that fetched more than $1 million in the first week of May — selling for $1.35 million.

Belmont Homestead.

For Maureen and John, their love affair with the historic East Coast homestead began a few years ago, staying in one of the accommodation wings while on their annual holiday.

“When we drove into Belmont Homestead for the first time, our stress levels just went down,” John said.

“They really did,” Maureen agreed. “We walked in and they had chocolate and port waiting for us. We just took a big breath in and felt instantly relaxed … that’s why we just wanted to buy it.”

Belmont Homestead.

The pair — John a geologist and Maureen a former nurse — say they have no plans to drastically upgrade the property or change the business that has had scores of visitors stay in the historic guest wings.

“If it’s working, why change anything?” John said.

Belmont Homestead.

Once the coronavirus lockdown is lifted and tourism flourishes once more, Maureen said they were looking forward to partnering with local wineries and suppliers to come up with a range of unique offerings.

“There’s a lot of potential, especially with so much amazing local produce on show at our doorstep,” she said.

“Swansea is beautiful and among prime tourist locations like Wineglass Bay with some of the best scenery in the state.”

Another thing that attracted the couple to Belmont was its history.

Belmont Homestead.

“It was one of the biggest sheep farms in Tasmania at one point. The original shearer’s quarters are heritage listed,” Maureen said.

Even the storage shed on the property has a story: It was originally erected in Hobart for a Papal breakfast in 1986 and was blessed by Pope John Paul II.

After an eight-month journey to buying their dream home, the couple will arrive in Tasmania next month.

And what a place for the new “Lord and Lady of Belmont” to spend their 14-day isolation.