'Own a piece of history': Former convent turned home on the market in Candelo

When you set foot on the property of 34 Auckland Street, Candelo, you know you’re about to enter a home steeped in history.

Built in 1898, this home was once a vital part of the town’s Catholic community, housing the nuns of St Joseph’s.

Originally sitting on 2000 square metres of land, the convent – affectionately named Rosemont – is located behind the St Joseph’s Catholic Church. 

The house operated solely as a residence for the nuns for two years before it became the local Catholic school. 

Mary MacKillop herself, an Australian nun who was declared a saint by the Catholic Church, opened the school during her journey through south-east NSW.

The home was a place to learn and seek spiritual counsel for many years until 1968. One can only imagine the fervent prayers that were whispered throughout the home.

During that period, the church extended the convent, adding an extra room to the rear of the home. 

It remained with the Catholic Church until it was sold in 2002. The owners, at the time, installed a four-poster bed in one of the bedrooms that was pounded into a suspended slab.

The house was then passed onto another set of hands before the current vendors purchased the home in 2015 as a private residence, including another 600 square metres of land in a bid to extend the yard.

The owners meticulously renovated the home and its surrounds including labouring over the beautiful, mature gardens and adding modest touches to the home while retaining its original period features.

“The owners blended the old with the new,” says listing agent Rob Flynn of Bega Valley Realty.

Now the beloved home is giving buyers a rare opportunity to own a piece of history.

Nestled on a hilltop, the house offers a private sanctuary hidden behind soaring trees.

Upon walking into the home, you are greeted by the grand archways that frame the hallways. The two bedrooms near the entrance of the home have french doors that open to a sheltered verandah wrapping the entirety of the home. 

“They added some slight touches to the home, including an extra bathroom. They also moved a couple of doorways to accommodate the kitchen, which was also restored to its former glory,” Flynn says.

Throughout the home, original features still adorn the property including the gothic-style arched windows, the fireplace and wood-heating stove.

“Of course, there’s going to be some wear and tear over time but as it is, you could hardly pick anything wrong with it … it’s a home that embraces the soul of the middle ages,” Flynn says.

View property

Price guide: $850,000

Private sale

Agent: Bega Valley Realty, Rob Flynn 0414 618 500