Designer Residence at 76 James Lane, Bishops Bridge Sold

Brad and Lara Cranfield said an emotional farewell to their “forever home” when their Bishops Bridge property exchanged through the week.

The winners of The Block in 2012 used their prize money from the reality television show to relocate to a Federation Merewether house on to a 24-hectare property near Maitland.

76 James Lane, Bishops Bridge sold by The Block winners Brad and Lara

They then spent four years building their designer residence at 76 James Lane, which has been sold for $1.375 million.

The home had wide verandahs, timber French doors, a modern country kitchen, four bedrooms plus a loft area, spindle staircase and cathedral ceilings.

“It needed a lot of renovating,” Lara told Domain during the week. “But we love the old houses; you can’t build those. We gutted the whole thing and used all of the existing rooms.

“It was renovated in the 70s, so we got all of the 70s stuff out and went back to its heritage with big profile cornices, big architraves and skirting boards and the Federation style. But the back part we did a 10 x 10 extension with six-metre ceilings and concrete floors.”

“It’s a good sense of achievement and I think that’s why I’m so upset because we did work so hard on it and it’s so beautiful. It would’ve been nice to live in fit for a few more years but you’ve got to take these opportunities.”

Brad and Lara Cranfield, pictured after buying into the Maryville Tavern in 2014. Picture: Phil Hearne

They relocated to Byron Bay two years ago where Brad, a fitter and machinist by trade, is now a real estate agent with Byron Bay Property Sales.

“We thought if it doesn’t go well we still had our house, but it’s going well and we’re loving it up here,” Lara said.

Former national league netballer Lara is a PE teacher and the couple have two sons in Harry, three, and 11-month-old Jimmy.

Another renovation in the coastal town is on the cards.

Their Bishops Bridge property was marketed by Cain Beckett of Jurd’s Real Estate and David Haggarty First National Real Estate, Maitland and secured by a Central Coast buyer.