One of New England’s most treasured landmarks, The Convent, has been sold by listing agent Nellie Hayes, Director of Raine & Horne Armidale/Glen Innes, for $1.5 million, setting a record residential sales price for Glen Innes.

The historic property at 161B Church Street, Glen Innes, was snapped up within just two weeks of being listed.

A stained glass local icon

The property was originally opened in 1884 as St Joseph’s Convent School and completed in 1896 by the religious order, the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart. Steeped in history, it is reportedly blessed by the order’s founder, Saint Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first canonised saint.

Ms Hayes said, “The Convent is a treasured local icon. Everyone in Glen Innes has some connection to it, whether they attended school there, took piano lessons, or had family members who boarded there. It holds genuine meaning for the local community.”

The significant property also features a historic grotto in the rear courtyard, which enhances the historical and cultural significance of the site.

“When we first visited the property, the grotto was almost hidden beneath heavy vines, but further research confirmed its religious significance,” Ms Hayes added.

“The spectacular grotto stands as a striking feature that adds to the Convent’s character and highlights its deep cultural heritage.”

Ms Hayes added, “The stained glass is out of this world, the staircases are stunning, and the courtyard is spectacular.”

Multi-generational families among buyers

According to Ms Hayes, the vendor was a private owner, while the purchaser is an out-of-area owner-occupier who plans to adapt the property for boutique accommodation. She noted that interest in The Convent came from a surprising mix of buyers.

“More than half of the enquiries came from people who wanted to live there as owner-occupiers, and some were two or three multi-generational families planning to share the property,” she explained.

“Enquiries came from all over, and thanks to Raine & Horne’s AMPLIFY, our first-to-market AI-powered social media marketing tool, we were able to reach well beyond the New England market to find buyers who weren’t even thinking of this region.

“It was clear the property struck a real chord with tree changers.”

Nellie added, “This is a great opportunity for the people who purchased it, and I’m so pleased to say that our iconic Convent has fallen into the right hands.”

Redevelopment opportunity

Set on approximately two acres and featuring 30 bedrooms, 20 bathrooms, 10 garages, plus two additional single-storey brick buildings and extensive parking, The Convent offers huge adaptive reuse potential. It is sold with a Development Approval to create:

• 23 guest suites
• Reception and function spaces
• Multiple office and dining areas
• On-site parking for cars and buses
• Additional motel-style accommodation, offering outstanding potential for tourism, events, or boutique hospitality ventures.

Ms Hayes said, “I’m delighted the Convent sold so quickly and to buyers who will do it justice.

“The Convent is a showpiece of 19th-century architecture, built to last with triple-brick construction and wrap around veranda on the primary structure, and it will continue to be a jewel in Glen Innes’ crown for years to come.”

For all your sales and property management needs in Glen Innes, Armidale, and the broader New England region, contact Raine & Horne Armidale | Glen Innes on 0458 326 464.