Blackdown Estate, on the Eleven Mile Drive, is considered one of the most impressive and historically significant properties in Australia.

It is currently owned by artist Tim Storrier and his wife Janet.

James Thompson, from The Professionals in Bathurst, is handling the sale, along with Ballard property in Sydney.

Mr Thompson said the house had undergone a complete refurbishment since the Storriers purchased it back in 2007.

“It’s undergone a full renovation but kept a lot of its original features,” Mr Thompson said.

Mr Thompson said the property holds historical significance in Australia.

In April 1822 Thomas Fitzherbert Hawkins, naval officer and pioneer settler, was appointed commissarial storekeeper at Bathurst.

With his wife, mother-in-law, seven children and nine convicts Hawkins travelled from Sydney to Bathurst, a journey which took 18 days.

On arrival in Bathurst, Hawkins selected 2000 acres on the Macquarie River and named it Blackdown. He built a brick house, cleared and fenced the land, formed gardens, built a mill and planted crops.

Mr Thompson said the property is steeped in history, and described it as ‘heritage homestead adorning 17 acres of idyllic sprawling lawns, shrub gardens and established trees’.

“Among the many features of the house include a magnificent seven bedroom homestead, three cottages and guest accommodation, underground parking for eight vehicles, a stable complex with bunk house and an amazing, newly constructed art studio with full amenities,” Mr Thompson said.

Other features include an olympic size dressage arena and olive grove orchard.

Mr Thompson said Blackdown is one of the most impressive and historically significant properties of its type in Australia.

“It’s an unique and rare opportunity to acquire a property of this calibre,” he said.

Mr Thompson said expressions of interest in the vicinity of four million dollars are invited.

The property last sold for $2.5 million in 2007, but Mr Thompson said the improvements made to the property since then meant the asking price was quite reasonable.

RARE GEM: Historic Blackdown on Eleven Mile Drive has been put on the . Photo: PHILL MURRAY 100412pblackdown