Gothic Mansion Heads to Auction
Historic 1896 homestead 'Burnima' to be auctioned tomorrow
The sprawling 12 hectare Burnima estate and its crowning jewel, a late 1800s Victorian Gothic mansion with more than 30 rooms, is scheduled to head to auction tomorrow morning.
The property was the centrepiece of the 20th century pastoral empire owned by Mr H. T. Edwards, and at its peak boasted over 22,000 acres of land. The mansion itself holds even greater historical significance -- it was designed and built by Fredrick Campbell, the same man who built the Governor-General's Canberra residence 'Yarralumla' in the early 1900s.
The mansion is a masterpiece of late Victorian architecture
The more than 30 rooms of the main house include a formal dining room, study, smoking room, billiards room and ten bedrooms, all generously sized and tastefully decorated. Soaring decorative ceilings dominate the grand rooms, 15 of which feature intricately designed fireplaces.
The homestead's opulent dining room
Burnima's staircase is an artwork unto itself. The skylight above it allows natural light to cascade down onto the ornate timber of its banister and railings, highlighting its opulence and expert craftsmanship.
Burnima's staircase
The conservatory, which links the homestead with its extensive dining hall, is covered from the elements but bathed in natural light from large bay windows. It is the perfect nook to curl up with a good novel, surrounded by nature without being exposed to it.
The home's lovely conservatory
The outbuildings and garden of the Burnima Homestead are as historic as the mansion itself, including a concierge's cottage, two-story horse stable and estate office as well as functional machinery and hay sheds. The 2.5 hectare garden boasts mature trees and shrubs imported from all over the world, and around every corner is another delightful secret alcove. There is a tennis court tucked away to allow for a leisurely hit with friends, and plenty of grassy spaces for picnics and relaxation.
An ivy-covered outbuilding at Burnima
The residence is currently used as both a residence and show-piece. The owner conducts tours on the first Saturday of every month according to the homestead's website, which encourages visitors to experience the magnificent property for themselves. However, Burnima has the ambiance to be used as a magnificent wedding venue, conference centre, health retreat or B&B -- you are limited only by your imagination.
Another possible use for the property would be as a living museum, in a similar style to the Biltmore Mansion in the US state of North Carolina. Although the home is currently offered as vacant possession, buyers have the option to purchase the period furniture, artefacts, and historical vehicles and horse-drawn carriages if they wish to go forward with the living museum idea.
One of Burnima's horse-drawn carriages
For anyone interested in getting their hands on a piece of Australian history, Burnima heads to an on-site auction at 11am on Saturday the 14th of November 2020. Contact agent Don Menchin of Menchin Property Marketing on 0413 028 795 or by email at menchinproperty@gmail.com for more details.
