CAN you picture yourself living in this Hunter Valley mansion?
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
You will have an in-house chef, butler and chauffeur at your beck and call, stately surrounds to explore, and a schedule co-ordinator to organise everything from a trip to the theatre to a shopping excursion in Paris.
But to apply, you need to be a woman aged over 55, willing to share this luxurious lifestyle with six other women and able to part with at least $750,000.
Minimbah House at Whittingham is one of the Hunter's grandest historic homes and after an 18-month renovation the 45-room Victorian mansion has been renamed Minimbah Lifestyle.
A marketing campaign is trying to attract a small but cashed-up clientele.
Businessman Anthony Gee, who reportedly bought the Minimbah Drive property in 2007 for more than $3 million, is behind the concept, which has already attracted international interest.
Mr Gee said he bought the home as a holiday property for his young family, but it had been rarely used.
He gained approval to operate it as a boutique hotel, but decided to instead pursue a long-held idea for filling a niche accommodation demand.
"I believe there's so many women out there of that certain age, possibly either widowed or divorced, living in a big house, and possibly lonely," Mr Gee said.
"So our idea is to just spoil them rotten for a window of their life."
Advertisements and a new website for the business say that seven women aged over 55, would live the ultimate lifestyle while residing in the mansion, with a butler, private chef, schedule co-ordinator and chauffeur to cater to their every need.
Quarters consist of a luxurious private bedroom and ensuite, with a choice of decor, colours, furnishings and toiletries.
With six other women for company, a resident could do as much or as little as they desired, from reading a book in the in-house library, to taking a dip in the in-ground pool, strolling among the vines, sipping champagne, or planning trips to Paris, Singapore or the Mediterranean.
The residence was designed "for those that can afford absolute luxury", specifically wealthy ladies accustomed to a large luxurious house or opulent lifestyle, or divorcees and widows looking for "the finer things in life".
Wealth is a pre-requisite with a bond costing about $750,000 and monthly charges payable.
But, Minimbah Lifestyle promises, that the seven "blessed" women will be treated as royalty in return.
Mr Gee said the concept had attracted web hits and inquiries from across the country, as well as England, the United States, Canada, New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates.
"I'm just astounded at the response, it obviously tickles the fancy of a lot of women," he said.
"We will continue with the campaign and then begin screening applicants to hopefully arrive at a group of compatible ladies."
Mr Gee said the interest had been so significant he was considering establishing a similar arrangement with another property in the Southern Highlands.
The Minimbah property has catered to landed gentry and showbiz royalty throughout its 133-year history.
It was built in 1877 for pastoralist Duncan Forbes Mackay.
Before Mr Gee's purchase, it was home to former Miss Australia Bliss Ryan, and her late husband, hotelier and vigneron Bill.
A prominent tower is considered the residence's crowning glory.
The interior boasts 4.3-metre ceilings, marble fireplaces, a grand staircase in the entry foyer, stained glass windows and antiques.
