TV history for sale: Iconic 'A Country Practice' backdrop comes to market
A Country Practice fans are swooning over the sale of 37 Coonara Avenue, West Pennant Hills, a property which featured in the popular Aussie TV show that aired from 1981 to 1993.
The heritage-listed Sydney cottage, which dates back to the 1860s, has been serving the community as a GP clinic since 1997, but is best known as the backdrop to one of the most tear-jerking moments in Australian television history – when beloved character Molly Jones passed away in the property’s backyard while watching her daughter and husband fly a kite.
Now, 40 years on, the location remains iconic among both locals and fans of the show.
The sales campaign has already sparked strong and varied interest from businesses and intrigued A Country Practice fans, says Simon Russo, director of commercial sales and leasing at First National Commercial – Hills Central.
“We’re definitely getting people who remember A Country Practice,” he says. “One man in his 50s told me he remembered his father lending the production a car for filming when he was a kid. There’s a lot of affection tied to the place.”
The building retains many of its original features, including the sandstone walls. It spans two levels, with about 121 square metres of space on the ground floor and 28 square metres on the first floor.
The ground floor features a waiting area, two consulting rooms, a treatment room, and an office area or lunch room. An administration area sits on the first floor. It has ducted air-conditioning and generous on-site parking.
While residential use isn’t permitted under current zoning, Russo notes the building has a remarkable residential history.
“Back in the 1800s, it was occupied by a husband and wife and their 11 children,” he says.
“There’s an incredible document showing the father sold the property to his son for £80, with a leaseback for grazing rights; two cows and one horse included. It’s a fascinating snapshot of the era.”
Situated in one of the Hills District’s most affluent pockets, where homes regularly sell for between $3.5 million and $5 million, the property is close to top-ranked schools, Castle Towers shopping centre and the Metro.
Businesses activity is set to increase with the constuction of Highforest by Mirvac, which will add roughly 400 homes and 250 apartments to the area. It’s due for completion in 2028.
“It’s a very accessible, very desirable location,” Russo says. “That’s why specialists, health operators and hospitality groups are all looking at it.”
He notes that, for hospitality use, there are limitations on adding a commercial kitchen to the space under current zoning.
The property at 37 Coonara Avenue, West Pennant Hills, will go to live auction at 11am AEST on Wednesday, December 10.
