One of Sydney’s most unusual and much-loved homes is on the market after a colossal transformation.
Better known as ‘The Blue House’ by Colyton locals, 33 Carpenter Street has attracted national attention for its resident dinosaur Roxy.
Karen and Jason Rout purchased the 860sqm corner block property in 2011, when little had been done to update the original 1940 farmhouse.
Not long after, Roxy the raptor arrived on site when the couple purchased her from her Blue Mountains base.
“She’s three metres tall and just over three metres long,” Ms Rout said.
“We get people stopping by all the time. In school holiday period we can get up to 60 or 70 cars a day stop for the kids to come in and see her.”
While Roxy may steal the show, the Routs have put in a lot of work over the years to improve the three-bedroom home she guards.
“We’re really proud because now the house looks like the original house of Colyton so we’re very proud of the work we’ve done,” Ms Rout said.
“The reason it’s blue is because when we moved in and we were cleaning the walls, locals came past and said not to change the colour as they love it and know it as ‘The Blue House’. The community wanted to keep it blue and we couldn’t change a landmark.”
This wonderful family home comes with a basketball court, swimming pool, large backyard and double carport while the man cave is the result of a visit last year from the crew of a popular lifestyle television program.
“We lost the garage in a fire so the crew came out and transformed the space,” Ms Rout said.
“It was a Father’s Day present to Jason and he had no idea.”
Roxy, as well as a bright red phone booth, will be leaving when the family of four head north to Queensland for a business opportunity.
“Roxy is definitely coming with us,” Ms Rout said.
“She’s part of the family and you don’t sell your children.”
The Routs have listed their home with a price guide of $680,000 to $720,000.
“It’s the perfect buy for young families moving to the outer west where there’s affordability along with potential first home buyer exemptions,” said real estate agent Sid Elias said.
“It’s got everything a family needs – open-plan, pool, solar power, gardens and more. Investors can benefit from securing this property too as it offers development potential.”
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.