Built at the end of the 19^th century, the hay shed was well over 100 years old and believed to have been used as refuge for farm animals during floods.

It was then used as an engineering company and had "about 100 years of dust in it" when the Fellowes took ownership.

They had been looking for land when they came upon the historic site at 31 Paterson Street. It was then that what Dean described as "a labour of love" began.

"We saw the potential; it was a real blank canvas," Dean told the Newcastle Herald. "It was this big, empty shell. The heritage of the place is well over 100 years old."

Through a four-year renovation and "thousands of hours" of work, mostly onsite, a six-bedroom home like no other was created.

The name Vintage Steel, which is emblazoned on the elaborate stair case, emerged during the journey.

Over five tonnes of heritage ironbark timber was used throughout and 20 tonnes of steel.

An industrial design is complemented by handcrafted touches, with custom-made features everywhere in the one-of-a-kind residence, and there was an emphasis on the use of recycled materials.

A shipping container was brought in for the commercial kitchen and everything else built around. There are polished concrete floors and a nine-metre floor-to-ceiling height.

On ground level is open plan kitchen, living and dining with a separate office and lounge, as well as a large workshop. The middle level is U-shaped with the master suite and a second bedroom in one wing and three bedrooms and a bathroom in the other. They are separated by a retreat which extends to a verandah.

The third level has a sixth bedroom, with the property capable of sleeping 12 in total, and a large drying room. In all the home has 600 square metres of internal space and a focus was put on flexibility.

The house was also designed to be beautiful as well as practical. Walking inside feels like being immersed in a piece of art with no end to the home's detail. Outside is a large storage shed and established gardens with over 20 tonnes of sandstone used.

The property is being marketed by Scott Hunter, of Ray White Rural Lifestyle Sydney - Dungog, and is set for auction on September 5.

A price guide has not yet been set due to the property's uniqueness. Mr Hunter said it could be equally used as a residence or commercial venture.

The property is within 30 minutes of Newcastle and 15 minutes to Green Hills Shopping Centre. It is open for inspection on Saturday between 2pm and 3pm.