Historic country manor for sale

With historical dramas like Downton Abbey and Bridgerton making for some of the hottest television viewing in Australia, it’s no wonder the Historic Royal Breadalbane’s entry onto the property market is capturing the hearts and imaginations of Australians – especially as it’s selling for less than the price of a tiny two bedroom apartment in Sydney.

The circa-1878 Southern Tablelands country manor, located just two hours from Sydney CBD and 12 minutes from Goulburn, is being sold by its custodians Rob Chard and Kevin Armstrong who are returning to Perth.

Having owned it for 17 years, Rob reflects on the journey to return the historic property to its former glory, when it serviced landed gentry and bushrangers including infamous local identity Ben Hall.

“We were in Sydney when we bought it. I had always wanted a beautiful old, historic place as I love old architecture,” Mr Chard said. 

“I drew a 2-hour circumference around Sydney in my 5-year search but it was impossible to find something that wasn’t miles out or had 1000 acres attached to it for $5 or $10 million.”

“When I found this one it was completely derelict with possums and swallows living in it and you’d fall through the floor.”

However, Rob and Kevin threw themselves into carefully renovating the former pub, staying true to its architecture and building style.

“It deserved original hard plaster render – no Gyprock – and it’s been restumped, reroofed, new wiring and plumbing, free floating solid brush box floors, polished and ready for the next 140 years.”

Rob is proud to say the entire eastern wing of the home has been completely  renovated, featuring four bedrooms and two bathrooms, a 42m2 kitchen with commercial oven, gas cooktop and marble benchtops, along with expansive living and dining areas.

The new owners will appreciate the renovations including a 2,000+-capacity wine cellar and a full-size library with an open fireplace, allowing the modern home office to meld into the historic one.

The unrestored 100m2 master wing includes a master bedroom of grand proportions with an open fireplace, walk-in robe with dressing room, ensuite, informal lounge and an office.

“If I could I would undo it, brick-by-brick and bring it back to Western Australia, because it’s so special,” Rob said.

Such a notable property has attracted many visitors over the years, with Rob and Kevin welcoming them into the home to hear their memories and see the work they’ve done.

“Fifteen years before we bought it, it was still a working pub and everyone who drops by has a story,” Mr Chard said, describing how when the “no drinking on Sunday rule” existed, travellers more than 20km from their home were exempt. Given Breadalbane was 25km from Goulburn, people could get on a train, come to the pub and head home again.

It’s still this convenient location, just two minutes from the Hume Highway and centrally situated 2 hours from Sydney CBD and 45 minutes from Canberra, that means there are endless opportunities for easy rural living or business ventures at the property, according to agent George Southwell.

“There is potential for it to be transformed into luxury BnB style accommodation, a restaurant or its sprawling grounds with established lawns and gardens would make a stunning wedding venue catering for the entire event from the ceremony through to the reception.

“While price guides for city real estate are being set much lower than the expected sale price, the $1,060,000 set for Historic Royal Breadalbane is a true guide representing exceptional value for money, but also Rob and Kevin’s genuine desire to make the sale process as transparent as possible for the next custodians who take on this treasured property.”

“Furthermore, being on a generous 4,793m2 block, the property comprises two titles, providing subdivision potential,” the agent explained.

Breadalbane is ready for its legacy to continue on.
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Agent: George Southwell +61 429 838 345 george.southwell@raywhite.com