Historic shining jewel homestead in Skinners Shoot is up for auction

The last time the historic Byron Bay property Koreelah traded it was in what property investors James Dawson and Anthony Pangallo describe as a “ramshackle” state and they couldn’t afford to renovate it, let alone buy the property itself.

So the late Eileen Rayward told them she would lend them the money to buy it as long as they promised to restore the grand old family home.

And so it was that in 1998 it sold for $825,000, making it the first time the property had changed hands since it was settled in 1883.

Rayward’s grandparents, Frederick and Ada Wareham, were among the area’s first settlers when they cleared the bushland of Koreelah to make way for a dairy farm, and later introduced the region’s first grown mangoes, grapes and bananas.

The arts and crafts-style homestead followed in 1911 to a design by Sydney architect Alexander Jolly, showcasing inspiration from American architect Frank Lloyd Wright through the overhanging eaves, prominent central stone fireplace and open-plan living spaces.

By the time Rayward handed over the keys to the family home, the facade had been clad in the 1970s with fake brick and the wraparound verandah had partially collapsed, but internally all the finishes and mouldings were original.

They remain to this day, although the home now boasts more than just two power points, along with a new kitchen and bathrooms.

Dawson and Pangallo lived there for about 12 years following the initial renovation, but by 2015 it was primarily used as a popular holiday let when plans were made to host Rayward’s 100th birthday celebration there.

However, she died a few weeks before the big event, which turned into a wake.

The grand five-bedroom residence with four-metre high ceilings is set on 3.9 hectares with century-old trees spotted about the landscaped garden, an olive and citrus grove, a 16-metre swimming pool, spa, pizza oven and a restored riverboat called The Gypsy Waters overlooking one of the six ponds.

Dawson and Pangallo say one of the more attractive features for guests has long been the privacy Koreelah offers.

It’s a factor not lost on their many neighbours, either.

In typical Byron Bay style they include a who’s who of identities, from Mark Bouris next door, singer Angus Stone a few doors away and the likes of David Gyngell and John Cornell up the road.

Pacifico Property’s Christian Sergiacomi takes the home to auction on April 16 with a guide of $9 million-$9.5 million.

SOLD - $9,500,000

282 Skinners Shoot Road, Skinners Shoot NSW 2481

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