Property Watch: Unique Marks Point cottage sold

First it was Pat and Bob Armstrong, whose “seachange” 34 years ago turned into a labour of love.

The couple from Sydney originally spent time in Newcastle before returning 34 years ago and buying the circa 1900 miners cottage on the shores of Lake Macquarie.

The property at 151 Marks Point Road, Marks Point is quite unique. It features a main two-bedroom residence at the top of the property with the waterfront cottage below.

The Armstrongs turned the cottage, which has original features, into holiday accommodation.

“The minute we saw it we both fell in love in it,” Ms Armstrong said.

“The place, we love, and the amount of pleasure it has given us has been immense, but it’s time to give someone else a go.”

The property was listed for sale through Viking Realty’s Louise Vico for $1.75million and sold for an undisclosed sum to Farida Wills and her son Warren Wills, who also fell in love with the property at first glance.

They are originally from out of town but Ms Wills has been living in Blacksmiths for the past 12 months.

A five-bedroom home at 17 Livingstone Street, Merewether delivered the highest sale price of $3.35million for PRDnationwide Newcastle Lake Macquarie’s Main Event on September 24.

In all 17 properties of 25 offered were sold either before auction or under the hammer on the day, including a block of three units with ocean views on 751.4sqm at 5 Lloyd Street, Merewether ($2.17million).

Wallsend’s recognisable Billy Tea Shop at 26 Murnin Street is expected to appeal to a range of buyers.

Set on 1000sqm and with 25m frontage, the property has been listed by Elders New Lambton and will be taken to auction by Sue Odgers on October 14.

Ms Odgers said the building has been part of the local landscape since circa 1940 and was known as Hancock’s before Billy Tea.

“It’s very recognisable in the area,” Ms Odgers said.

“We had 15 to 20 people through the first inspection, some just through curiosity, wandering through saying they used to the come to this shop.”

The block is zoned R3 Medium Density and features the old shop with adjoining three-bedroom residence.