A few weeks ago, I received an ecstatic email from Patricia Callan, the contagiously enthusiastic writer behind Modernist Australia, and its spin-off column on TDF.

‘This is as rare a listing as they come, with nothing we’ve ever posted coming close in terms of restoration efforts nor regionally historical MCM importance!’ she announced.

Huddled around a monitor, Team TDF cooed over photograph after photograph. Trish wasn’t exaggerating… and we too were instantly in love! Could TDF possibly open an office in regional New South Wales!?

The building of our mutual affection is an English Scottish & Australia (ES&A) Bank branch designed by Richard Apperly and opened in 1957. Located at 13A Bent Street in Wingham, a small inland town in the 335 kilometres north of Sydney, this gem has undergone meticulous restoration at the literal hands of Aaron Cuneo, founder of Well Creative design studio.

‘I personally saved and restored every original feature, spending over 60 hours a week for seven months on the project… I have poured my heart and soul into the building, ensuring that every detail was as close to original as possible,’ tells Aaron, now reluctantly selling – he has an entire website dedicated to this incredible building’s history and his meticulous restoration.

The 140-square-metre building will go under the hammer at auction next Saturday, August 25th. Both Aaron and Patricia are making a national call out for a special new owner: ‘an entity who knows decentralisation is the key to the working future (NBN willing). Maybe a type who easily straddles the regional culture and more urbane aesthetics. Or maybe just someone who will adore this building as much as the current owner does.’

…And someone who will pursue a heritage listing too, please?

Find out more on the Modernist Australia website, and view the real estate listing here.