Historic 120-year-old homestead ‘Auverne’ for sale with panoramic views

In the 1890s, Bungendore was a small rural township driven primarily by agriculture, and a sprawling homestead built on a generous parcel of land would have commanded significant standing in the local community.

More than a century later, Auverne remains a property of distinguished heritage and local prestige. Remarkably, this unique estate has been cherished by just four families over its 120-plus-year history.

Over the decades, the homestead has been carefully restored, renovated and extended, but retains its original late-Victorian beauty and charm.

$2,500,000 to $2,650,000

119 Millpost Lane, Bungendore NSW 2621

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Shane Killalea of Hayman Partners says it’s rare to see a house from that era come onto the market in the Canberra region.

“Bungendore has plenty of history with many buildings and properties that date to Victorian and even colonial times,” he says, “but Auverne stands out in its presentation and in its offer of a superb country lifestyle so close to Canberra.”

Occupying an elevated 31.5-hectare parcel, Auverne commands panoramic views over the Bungendore valley and Lake George.

With its ochre facade and Colorbond roof, the homestead is set like a jewel within its landscaped gardens and wider natural environment.

Yet, it’s inside where the property really dazzles. Offering about 300 square metres of light-filled living space, the design is influenced by its heritage while effortlessly adapting to contemporary life.

The interior palette is kept simple: neutral tones contrast with timber highlights, allowing the home’s historic soul to speak for itself.

Nods to the past are woven throughout, including five fireplaces and original wide kauri pine floorboards gracing older sections of the home. In the newer zones, Tasmanian cherrywood flows underfoot. The historic feel continues with antique claw-foot baths in the bathrooms and a classic enamel sink in the kitchen.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Killalea emphasises the impressive proportions that can easily accommodate modern families.

“There’s a great balance between the formal and informal living spaces,” he says. “The beautifully presented lounge, dining and sunrooms toward the front of the home evoke the past, but present as options to meet more contemporary purposes.

“For example, one could become a rumpus room, perhaps another as a home theatre, library or music room.”

The floor plan comprises a living wing and a sleeping zone connected by a long hallway. The living space encompasses the lounge room, dining room and sunroom, alongside a light-filled open-plan kitchen, meals and family area, with a separate study.

The other wing houses four bedrooms, a family bathroom and a laundry. The primary suite is enhanced by a big walk-in wardrobe and an en suite with timber, marble and brass accents.

At the heart of the home, the modern kitchen provides abundant preparation and storage space, including display shelves and a built-in wine rack, while a highlight is a functional wood stove and that original enamel sink.

Outside, grapevines and wisteria drape elegantly over “The Ruin”, a rustic, covered al fresco entertaining area with a barbecue, fire pit and wood-fired pizza oven.

However, the piece de resistance is the pool house. Constructed largely from reclaimed vintage factory windows, it provides the perfect setting for unwinding next to the glorious in-ground pool.

Finally, for those looking to embrace the full rural experience, the property offers the infrastructure for a working farm, including stables, cattle yards and an old shearing shed.