Couple turn Bowral property into palatial home

Manderley is one of the most stately homes in Bowral but it has taken some extra elbow grease to really make it shine. 

It took owners Judy and Patrick three years to return the estate to its former glory.

“The house had been beautifully built by an award-winning builder in 1991 but one of the former owners had neglected it for years,” Judy says.

Judy and Patrick bought Manderley six years ago and knew they were taking on an enormous project.

“It was a real labour of love but we could see that it had the potential to be a magnificent home again,” Judy says.

A major challenge for the couple was repainting parts of the home, a task requiring 1000 litres of paint.

“The house was peach and Mediterranean blue on the outside, and inside there were a lot of those dark Federation tones that may have looked wonderful in their day but were so very dated,” Judy says.

Judy and Patrick chose a neutral palette to complement the home’s elegant architecture.

“They are classic tones of white, black and soft yellow that are fresh, modern and easy to live with and we hope Manderley’s new owners will enjoy them,” Judy says.

The property is on 2.02 hectares and its three spacious levels and numerous entertaining areas would make it ideal for a buyer seeking a luxury family home.

It has five bedroom suites with bathrooms, a master wing and studio.

The property also features a library and office, garden room, billiards area, staff accommodation and five-car garage.

No.2 Manor Rise, Bowral is for sale through Di Jones Real Estate Southern Highlands agent, Kate McCullagh. Price: $5.9 million. Inspect: By appointment.

Lots of room to horse around

A home owned by horse trainers for almost 70 years comes complete with original stables and a round yard.

The three-bedroom Queanbeyan house is on the market for the second time since it was built in 1949, and owner Karelle Sullivan says horses are very much part of the home’s history.

“My husband trained horses here and we bought it from a man who also trained horses so the facilities have been well utilised,” she says.

The horses have long gone but the four stables provide a little bit of nostalgia and offer an abundance of storage for the next owners.

The house combines 1950s and 1970s architecture in a sturdy brick home that has a simple, no-fuss layout in keeping with the post-war style of the era.

For the astute renovator, there are plenty of features to hold on to; high ceilings, a fireplace and an inviting sunroom to name a few.

The home has a study, built-in robes, a neat country-style kitchen, landscaped gardens, a single garage and two carports.

No. 23 Cameron Road, Queanbeyan, is being auctioned on Saturday, July 2, through Ian McNamee & Partners Queanbeyan agents Larry Eckhoff and Elizabeth Da Pozzo. Price guide: $680,000-plus Inspect: No open times scheduled.