Old Rectory the ultimate rural retreat in Sutton Forest

The best homes invite us in to put up our feet and unwind. The elegant parsonage manor in the Southern Highlands is one of those homes, ready to welcome guests to its peaceful pocket of Sutton Forest.

The Old Rectory was built in 1842, and the All Saints Church and the home’s many caretakers over the years have ensured its history and charm have been retained.

Owners Erin and Michael Corlette renovated and extended The Old Rectory in 2014 to create a sumptuous retreat.

“The rectory’s architecture gives it a certain majesty that exudes charm yet the renovation has allowed us to enjoy the history in a contemporary way,” Erin says.

The house is on 2.42 hectares of park-like grounds where the Corlettes regularly enjoy lunch get-togethers with friends and family.

“Our friends always comment on the warmth and peacefulness that they feel when we enjoy relaxed lunches in the garden,” Erin says.

The Corlettes travel to Shanghai, London and Paris for work and say the house is a sanctuary away from the intensity of large cities.

“Sitting by log fires, tending to our garden with fresh and beautiful scents, and having friends and family over has made The rectory a very warm place in our hearts,” Erin says.

Sutton Forest combines country charm with cosmopolitan amenities, she says.

The house has a formal lounge and dining room with original fireplaces, modern kitchen with Smeg appliances, four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a double garage.

It has built-in wardrobes, an alarm system and airconditioning.

No. 488 Exeter Rd, Sutton Forest is for sale through Di Jones Real Estate Southern Highlands agent Kate McCullagh. Price: $2.75 million. Inspect: Saturday, 2pm-2.45pm.

Space, privacy, convenience

The space and resort-style features of an O’Malley house have made it a popular rental property for almost two decades.

Owner Pat Supple says the four-bedroom house with an adjoining two-bedroom unit has been home to embassy staff since he bought it 16 years ago.

“It has been a wonderful investment property, consistently renting during those 16 years and at times for over $900 a week,” Pat says.

“We initially bought it to move in ourselves but decided to have it as an investment instead.”

The house is on a 3,002-square-metre block and is within walking distance of Westfield Woden.

“For a family buyer, the property offers many private areas as well as large separate living spaces, great outdoor areas for entertaining and a half-size tennis court.

“I think the key appeal for tenants has been its central location, size and the unit next to it,” Pat says.

The unit has spacious living areas, large bedrooms, study, bathroom and kitchen.

A 1980s interior, while neat and functional, could do with a new owner’s update, he says.

No. 7 Dunoon St, O’Malley will be auctioned on Saturday, June 11, through Independent Property Group Woden and Weston Creek agents Jonathan Charles and Ryan Thomas. Price guide: $1 million+. Inspect: Saturday 2.30pm-3.15pm. EER: 2.