Historic property 'Old Graham' at Hovells Creek for sale

The term “retreat” is often used in real estate to the point that it’s become an overused cliche, but at this property, just two hours from the capital, one can truly escape the hustle and bustle of the city and reflect on its true meaning.

With more than 90 hectares of land, the property at 3021 Frogmore Road, Hovells Creek – affectionately known as Old Graham – is an ode to stillness, solitude and a country getaway.

For owners John and Elizabeth Baker, this was the picture of a bucolic life, a charming home with a versatile floor plan and rollings hills of greenery.

“We were driving back to Canberra in 1992 from Dubbo and took the scenic route passing Boorowa, and we passed what we now know as Old Graham,” John said.

“It was a lovely old stone house, but it was in a derelict state. It was in ruins, really, with holes in the roof and shattered windows, but it had potential, and we thought it’d be a nice project to undertake – so we bought it.”

The couple, who are from Canberra, enlisted the help of Peter Freeman, a name synonymous with major conservation projects across the country.

It took a year and a half to renovate the three-bedroom home, a former coaching inn built in 1878, “restoring it to its original building” while adding modern elements, including reverse-cycle heating and airconditioning promising year-round comfort; two security systems and cameras and an underground concrete water tank.

The couple retained some of its original features, including the wraparound verandah and the beautiful cedar open fireplaces. Other parts of the property, including the slab huts and original sheds, were also retained.

Beyond the house, John and Elizabeth added their own touch to the charming abode.

Elizabeth, a keen gardener, had put all her energy into establishing the lawns and gardens that now boasts roses, a wisteria-covered pergola, an orchard of fruit trees and shrub plantings.

“We’ve had many open garden weekends, so it’s been rewarding tending to it. It’s a spectacular array of colours no matter the time of the year,” she said.

The couple also installed sculptures around the 91-hectare property. At one point, the property was home to more than 70 pieces, a quarter of which was purchased from the ANU School of Art.

“We were avid art collectors and thought it’d be a great idea to get into sculptures and scatter them around the property,” John said.

“We’ve since packed away most of the sculptures, but 25 of some of our favourite sculptures will be a part of the sale.”

It’s a bittersweet sale for the couple who have many cherished memories of the home, including playing host to many family and friends.

“This was our escape on the weekends, somewhere we could retreat to, and now that we’ve retired, it’s time to close this chapter of our lives,” John said.

“I’ll miss the serenity the most,” Elizabeth added. “It wasn’t an easy decision to make, but we’re hoping someone else will appreciate it and love it as much as we have.”

Hovells Creek

View property

Price guide: $900,000s

Online auction: 10am, October 15

Agent: Ray White Emms Mooney Bathurst, Josh Keefe 0439 269 449