FROM the construction of the “Round Hill Homestead” in the late 1840s grew Culcairn in southern NSW, with James Balfour laying out the town in 1880 and naming it after his mother’s birthplace.
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“Round Hill Homestead”, settled by the Henty and Balfour families in 1846, provided work for many in the district, first operating as a cattle station until the demise of the Beechworth market, the cattle replaced by sheep in 1864.
The public will now have the opportunity to get their hands on this unique community foundation when the property is auctioned on November 19 by Delta HLB, Wagga Wagga.
Described as being in “a class of its own”, the 270 hectare (667 acre) landmark property is offered by current owners John and Jane Roysmith, who are selling to retire after 23 years.
During their time at “Round Hill Homestead”, the Roysmiths have renovated and restored the property’s small colonial guest quarters in 1990, and in 2001 also renovated the main homestead, blending the historical nature of the home with new world opulence designed by well-known Melbourne architect Chris Humphries.
The homestead features four bedrooms which open onto wide, open verandahs surrounded by the landscaped garden with established hedge rows, with a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite in the main bedroom, and one of the remaining bedrooms also with an ensuite.
There are many living and entertaining options, with a formal lounge and dining area and spacious gourmet chef’s kitchen and preparation area.
The home also features an office, sitting room, glass walkway, laundry and double garage.
Complimenting the homestead is the historical station quarters, now the guest house, which features an open plan living and kitchen area, two bedrooms and a bathroom.
There is also large scope for entertaining in these quarters, with an air conditioned wine cellar and a barbecue area alongside the property’s in-ground saltwater pool.
“Round Hill Homestead” was formerly the home of the Hagley Limousin stud, which used genetics from New Zealand and through the years became a cross-breeding operation using Te Mania Angus bloodlines.
Since the dispersal of the Hagley herd, the property has been leased for use as an agistment property.
The property has also supported first-cross ewe production.
Outbuildings include the original shearing shed, built circa 1876, which is still functional and along with sheep at shearing time, has hosted many social gatherings, charity functions and political rallies.
The property’s machinery shed is similarly historic, having been built by the Hordern family in the late 1950s.
Adjacent to the machinery shed are the steel, partly covered cattle yards.
“Round Hill Homestead” also features a chaff shed which dominates the landscape on the banks of the Billabong Creek.
In addition to the Billabong Creek, “Round Hill Homestead” also has water supply from Burkitt’s Creek, as well as from two wells, numerous dams, and a bore which services gardens and troughs.
The property features rich, alluvial Billabong Creek flats sheltered by redgums, yellow box and grey box timber, and avenues of poplar trees line the property’s fences and lane ways.
The “Round Hill Homestead” land is about 95 per cent arable, with improved pastures of phalaris, clover and ryegrass.
Listing agent Jack Burton, Delta HLB, Wagga Wagga, said the expected price for the property was in the range of $2.8 million to $3.2m ($10,370-$11,852/ha, $4197-$4797/ac).
Contact the Delta HLB office, (02) 6921 9099.
