Historic Bickham Homestead has sold after an Expressions of Interest campaign through McGrath Upper Hunter Valley and Sydney Sotheby’s International.

gg_09533.jpg

The grand 1875 residence been passed onto its new custodians after 165 years in the same family. Designed in the style of architect Edmund Blacket’s colonial work, Bickham Homestead sits on 133 hectares of prime land in Blandford near the towns of Scone and Murrurundi. Its 200-plus acres of fertile, productive land include 4 kilometres of frontage to the Pages River.

gg_09535.jpg

Beyond the main homestead are several out-buildings, sheds and cottages, a butchery, blacksmith shed, winery, a floodlit tennis court, pool, cattle yards and 12 main paddocks. The property has been known for its prized Hereford cattle, merino wool and its award-winning white wine.

The homestead was carefully restored in 1995. It has seven bedrooms, several grand reception and sittings rooms and a commercial-grade kitchen.

gg_09592.jpg

Despite being suited to a commercial venture such a health retreat or conference centre, a young Sydney-based family has bought Bickham Homestead with the intention of restoring the residence to use as their rural retreat. They will also renovate the outbuildings and are considering opening the property to local schools and organisations to demonstrate how the property operated in its historical context.

img_1456.jpg

McGrath Hunter Valley principal Angus Patterson said all but one enquiry on the property came from Sydney buyers. “The homestead was the drawcard,” he said. “Lots of families thought of leasing out the land and using the residence as their private country retreat.”

dji_0367.jpg

Mr Patterson reports a change in the type of enquiry from Sydney residents since the start of Covid. “When the pandemic hit everyone thought of moving to the country but now they’re serious,” he said. “They’re doing their homework and saying, ‘this can work. We can commute to Sydney one or two days a fortnight.”” Mr Patterson notes the attraction of the excellent schools in the area and the established infrastructure.

img_1437.jpg

He welcomes all the newcomers. “It’s a benefit to our area. It’s another family using our doctors, our specialists. It’s families filling up their cars with fuel, packing their boots with food from our grocery stores and another volunteer for the soccer team,” he said. “It’s great for them and it’s great for our region.”

dji_0355.jpg

Similar to this: 

John McGrath – More homes for sale but demand swamping supply

McGrath expands Oxygen Home Loans business

Record property price for Randwick has been smashed again - McGrath