11 September 2019

Steeped in convict history, Goulburn’s Lansdowne Park goes up for auction

| Glynis Quinlan
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The main homestead (pictured above) was built in 1825. All photos supplied by Ray White Goulburn.

A heritage-listed property steeped in Australia’s convict history will be auctioned in Goulburn at the end of this month and oozes an atmosphere of the past.

Historic Lansdowne Park is thought to be one of Australia’s oldest properties and features a 3-4 bedroom renovated homestead sitting on 35 acres of land with four other residences, a stand-alone stone ballroom, a convict-built stone coach house and stables, a former convict jail and a vineyard.

With a price guide of $3.8 million, the property at 33 Bungonia Road also offers the potential to establish bed & breakfast accommodation or to combine the existing heritage dwellings as part of an overall development of numerous homes.

Tracie Simon was baptised on the property, which has been held by her family since 1952 when her grandparents secured ownership.

Ms Simon and her husband Mark relocated from Sydney’s northern beaches nine years ago to be closer to family, and have taken on sole responsibility of Lansdowne Park for the last three years.

“The history is incredible when you think about it,” Mr Simon said.

“The homestead was built in 1825 and Goulburn was Australia’s first inland city. This would have to be one of Australia’s oldest properties.”

The couple restored the main homestead with its polished concrete and original hardwood timber floors, pressed metal ceilings, modern kitchen and bathroom, wraparound verandah, two slow combustion wood fireplaces and reverse cycle air-conditioning.

“The homestead was a hut originally but has expanded over the years,” Mr Simon said.

“We did an extensive renovation which took more than 12 months but it’s all heritage and overlooks Goulburn. The land holding is 35 acres so it’s a big block, so close to the CBD with a fantastic aspect.

The property also includes a four-bedroom two-bathroom house, two one-bedroom cottages, and a two-bedroom cottage, all of which are currently tenanted for a combined rental return of $920 a week.

The NSW State Heritage Register describes Lansdowne Park as providing “extensive evidence of its early period of development along with evidence of early colonial life, including all facets of human activity”.

“Whoever purchases the property, I think the integrity of Lansdowne Park will always be kept,” Mr Simon said.

“I think it’s a feeling when you go into the property, when you look about at the convict-built stone buildings.

“Lansdowne Park also used to be a Cobb & Co where men would sleep in the rooms which are still here, with the draught horses in the stable.

“The history of Australia is all right here. People drive in just to have a look and they all say there’s an incredible feeling.”

Mr Simon said the property itself would be a great option for buyers keen to establish a bed and breakfast accommodation, or those simply looking for a different way of life.

“Even though it’s a city of 26,000 people, it’s still a regional Australian city,” he said.

“Goulburn is about the people. We’ve made lifelong mates and friends here. Nothing beats living on a parcel of land like this and sitting on the deck with a wine at sunset looking at the town below.”

Listing agent and Ray White Goulburn sales manager, Garry Hall said the property is zoned as Residential and the opportunity exists to combine existing heritage dwellings as part of an overall development of numerous residential building blocks of varying sizes.

He said existing plans for a 41 lot subdivision have already been drawn up with further capacity to create a large number of residential blocks on the remaining land.

“It would make a terrific fine dining precinct with a bit of creativity,” Mr Hall said.

“It’s probably one of the most interesting properties I’ve listed. This is right up there because of the beautiful rural views and being only 1.5 kilometres from the CBD.”

Lansdowne Park will be auctioned on Friday, March 29 at 11 am at 254 Auburn St, Goulburn.

For more information or to arrange an inspection contact Mr Hall on 0425 301 644 or click here.

Below is a video of the property supplied by Ray White Goulburn.

Original Article published by Glynis Quinlan on The RiotACT.

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