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See Inside: Historic lower north shore mansion built by Mosman pioneer on the market.

Published On: September 14, 2023

Known as Waveney, this landmark local home at 40 Belmont Rd – once owned by Charles Cowles – is on the market.

By ANNA USHER

A Federation mansion built one hundred and twenty years ago by a Mosman pioneer and former Mayor is for sale.

The grand residence, known as Waveney, is a landmark local home once owned by Charles Cowles, one of Australia’s most prominent gunsmiths who was father to four daughters and three sons.

The five-bedroom, four-bathroom property has had 80 inspections in just one week.

Cowles was a local Alderman who held the position of Mayor three times: in 1904, 1909 and 1910.

The five-bedroom, four-bathroom property – listed just one week ago by Anthony Godson and Nick Gittoes from Atlas – has already had 80 inspections from active buyers.

“It’s an exceptional trophy home on a great street, in one of Mosman’s most convenient locations,” Mr Godson told Mosman Collective, “everyone who’s seen it has fallen in love with the impeccable renovation.”

The property is a master class in meticulous craftsmanship, according to agent Anthony Godson from Atlas.

North facing and bathed in year-round sunshine, 40 Belmont Rd is a dream family home that’s a rare find, with its double brick construction, landscaped gardens and a separate guest house.

“The property is a master class in meticulous craftsmanship, with grand proportions combining rich history and refined contemporary design,” Mr Godson said.

Charles Cowles was a Mosman pioneer and former Mayor, who built the family house to accommodate his seven children.

Charles Cowles was just 25 when he moved to Australia from his native town of Topcroft in Suffolk, arriving in Sydney via Brisbane in 1865.

He took up residence in Mosman two years later when the suburb was said to have less than a dozen houses.

In 1903, he commissioned the construction of Waveney at 40 Belmont Rd.

The vast residence is double brick, and sits on more than 600 sqm. It also has its a guest house.

Set high on 607 sqm of elevated land; the home is wrapped in established and manicured grounds, with the village just a level walk away.

“Finding a property of this size, just metres from the heart of Mosman, is considered almost unique,” Mr Godson said.

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“The restoration of Waveney is impeccable, and the current owners have successfully opened up the home to maximise space and light.”

High ceilings, majestic archways, European oak chevron floors and original fireplaces are among the interior highlights. Still, the state-of-the-art chef’s kitchen is proving to be a major show-stopper.

“The kitchen is huge, defined by lavish proportions, with a four-metre-long marble island and integrated appliances,” Mr Godson said.

There are also five opulent bedrooms, a choice of entertaining areas, a cellar and tasting room with bespoke wine fridges, plus city views from the top floor verandah.

40 Belmont Rd boasts a cellar and tasting room.

“Added to all this is automatic gated double off-street parking, with DA approval for a carport,” Mr Godson said.

“And we have concept plans available for an in-ground swimming pool.”

“Finding a property of this size, just metres from the heart of Mosman, is considered almost unique,” Mr Godson said.

Key features

Open plan living and dining areas, flooded with natural light, extend to garden terraces
Entertainer’s kitchen boasts a 4m long Carrara marble island bench, European appliances integrated with custom joinery
Soaring 3.2m ceilings throughout while bedrooms offer glimpses of the city and iconic Harbour Bridge
Luxurious master retreat with lavish ensuite, a sprawling veranda with city skyline views
European Oak Chevron flooring, Carrara marble accents in kitchen, bathrooms, and fireplaces
Sun-drenched outdoor entertaining terraces overlook North facing level lawn, Sir Grange turf and water irrigation system
Self-contained studio with kitchenette and bathroom offers versatility
Bespoke cellar room with temperature-controlled wine fridges
Automatic gated double off-street parking with DA approval for carport, concept plans available for an in-ground swimming pool
Smart home automation system, reverse cycle ducted air-conditioning throughout