Once the home of colonial surgeon George Brooks, 25 Robert Street was built between 1840 and 1850 on part of a property that he and his wife, Mary Stephena Cowper, owned.

Dr Brooks arrived from Scotland in 1822 and bought 320 acres of Crown Land, which was later subdivided and is now known as the town of Wallsend.

The home is of traditional Victorian period construction and its facade features a veranda with lacework. Inside there is an arched hallway and cast-iron fireplaces, but the kitchen and bathrooms are ultra-modern. 

Four bedrooms, a sitting room and a bathroom are on the upper level and the lower level has the main living areas, which open to a back courtyard. There is also a single garage, which is accessed via James Street.

The property will be auctioned by PRDNationwide Newcastle and Lake Macquarie on May 18. It has a price guide of $495,000 to $530,000. The listing agent for the property is Matt Barnes.

A modern take on a classic country house is being offered as part of a tempting “lifestyle package” in Lambs Valley.

The 100 acre (40.5ha) property at 623 Lambs Valley Road has been listed by Jurds Real Estate. Agent Shelly Jurd says the price guide for the property is $1.1million. 

The five-bedroom home is a Harkaway design, and has wide wrap-around verandas. Spotted gum hardwood floors are a feature throughout, and the kitchen is made from New Guinea Rosewood. 

Fenced into eight paddocks, the land has two dams, three of which are watered horse yards.

There is a large machinery shed, hay shed, tractor shed, chicken pen, pump house, two horse shelters and cattle yards.  

Relaxation is covered by an in-ground pool and there is plenty of timbered land for horse riding. 

The valley is between Maitland, Singleton and the Lovedale interchange on the Hunter Expressway.