Although its land size lends itself to redevelopment, Dr Chris Harrington remains hopeful a family will purchase his $3.65 million home and make it their own.
The Croudace Street address has already seen more than a dozen children raised within its walls and the 78-year-old Newcastle orthopaedic surgeon is hoping that legacy will continue.
Dr Harrington and his wife raised their five children in the American colonial style home, which he purchased in 1987 for $435,000.
The New Lambton Heights home is known as ‘Karinya’, Aboriginal for “peaceful home”.
Boasting five bedrooms and two bathrooms, it is surrounded by almost 8,600 square metres of landscaped gardens.
After entering via its grand column entryway, the family home consists of elegant living and entertaining spaces, soaring 16-foot ceilings and cathedral style windows.
A gourmet kitchen with butler’s pantry and alfresco dining areas, together with the expansive lawns, have been known to host weddings of up to 250 guests in the past.
The robust double-brick home also features a formal lounge with fireplace, a formal dining room, an executive office with built-in cabinetry and fireplace, as well as a wine cellar, workshop and two large storage rooms.
In the warmer weather, the family home is set to impress with a large saltwater pool with outdoor shower.
Built in 1950, the home was the brainchild of the iconic Novocastrian family – the Rundell family, and has only had three owners.
“The Rundells sold it to Dr Elliot and his family, before we purchased it,” Dr Harrington said.
“Ironically Dr Elliott also had five children that were raised here. it’s become quite the dynasty really.”
Little more than a decade ago Dr Harrington added rooms to the expansive home and updated some of the living spaces.
PRD Real Estate agent Chasse Ede says the size of the property is particularly appealing given current NSW lockdowns.
“I think we’ve found since Covid that people want more space,” he said.
“We’re spending a lot more time at home, we’re living and working from home, and we’re realising we’d like that extra room to move.
“This property allows a family to come in, update if you want to make it your own, and enjoy the bushland views and the private stunning surrounds.
“It’s unique to find such a strong, sturdy home so close to everything in Newcastle and on a large pocket of land.
“This really is a rare find.”
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