Dream homes: The tale of South Coast's finest mansion

Steeped in colonial history and surrounded by magnificent gardens and lush dairy country, the picturesque Terrara House sets the scene for a romantic love affair.

This stunning estate in the Shoalhaven region was the vision of architect Otto Beckett and built in 1904 using local sandstone by Charles Moore and Joseph Gosang.

Walking up the wide country drive, the true grandeur of this estate creates an overwhelming sense of admiration and awe.

The main residence has 23 rooms and 13 crackling fireplaces set over three levels, and impressive period details throughout. It sits on an estate that covers 6.8 hectares, including 4.85 hectares of garden, a conservatory, 18-metre heated swimming pool, tennis court with his and hers bathroom amenities, croquet lawn, life-sized outdoor marble chess set, and luxury day spa constructed from the original stables that predate the residence itself.

Once owned by a successful wedding company, the estate has ignited many flames throughout its history.

Terrara House was originally built for the Mackenzie family, the clan of Hugh Mackenzie, a Scottish laird and mayor of Shoalhaven for 23 years, who also hosted the marriages of many of his children on the estate.

The property has uninterrupted northern views over the stunning manicured gardens and surrounding countryside with the mountain vista in the distance. The boundless setting is almost as striking as the building itself.

The Edwardian features of the whisk you back in time. The interior has been styled to perfection using Ralph Lauren textiles and fine period antique furniture to add an element of ornate luxury, suited to the home’s era.

Upstairs, you will find seven large bedrooms and three bathrooms complete with unique period features. Next to the main homestead is separate guest accommodation in the converted stables, offering privacy and separate commercial kitchen, rainwater storage tank and an on-site back-up generator for electricity supply.

The original stables were home to the pioneering De Mestre family, who first settled Terara in 1845. Etienne De Mestre was a celebrated racehorse trainer who successfully trained five Melbourne Cup winners from the track at Terrara House, including Archer, the winner of the first two Cups.

Surrounding the estate are established gardens among the rolling green pastures. The current owners bought the estate in 2004 and have carefully restored all the dwellings to ensure they are in an impeccable state.

They have also expanded the grounds to include intricately detailed formal parterres – a tribute to the Terrara House’s history, alongside an abundant vegetable garden.

Only a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Canberra, three kilometres from Nowra and 15 minutes south of Berry, Terrara House allows for the perfect balance of seclusion and convenience.

A short 20-minute scenic drive and you’ll arrive at the Culburra and Callala beach on the northern side of Jervis Bay. The estate is also within easy walking distance to the Shoalhaven River, historic village of Terara and Terara Public School.

TERARA NSW

77 Millbank Road

Price guide: $6 million-$6.5 million

7 bed, 8 bath, 1 car

Private sale

Agent: South Coast Prestige Properties, Carrie Bond 0421 449 846