Historic Estate In Australia’s Southern Highlands Seeks Next Land Holder

Real Estate

That the Glenrock estate in Tallong, Australia, has had only five owners in more than 200 years is a testament to its allure and sustainability.

At the heart of the more than 2,300-acre agricultural holding is a grand 1830s Georgian and Greek revival mansion painstakingly restored over a 12-year period. The historic homestead, expanded since its original land grant, benefits from frontage on two major roads and perpetual water licenses. The estate also fronts two creeks and contains a breathtaking gorge with a waterfall.

Marketed as “price upon request,” the landmark property’s rare attributes place it outside the normal valuation methodology, says Private Property Global’s Ken Jacobs, one of the agents representing Glenrock. “No true comparable sales evidence exists.

The two largest New South Wales acreage sales of 2022 are the closest benchmarks. A holding of nine noncontiguous parcels totaling 3,232 acres was sold last year by Hume Coal for more than AU $100 million (approximately US $67.2 million) or AU $30,000 per acre (approximately (US $20,150 per acre). The Mereworth homestead of 1,250 acres sold for nearly AU $49.7 million (approximately US $33.4 million) or AU $39,750 per acre (approximately US $26,700 per acre).

“Glenrock has only just been launched, but there has been initial interest from high-net-worth local buyers,” Jacobs says. “The combination of large acreage and facilities combined with historical significance and architectural merit will ensure appeal to an eclectic mix of local and international buyers.”

In addition to the sandstone mansion and prime grazing land, Glenrock includes guest accommodations, a five-story clock tower with a viewing platform, stables, stockyards and two private lakes, one featuring a Japanese-style boathouse.

The Southern Highlands landholding centers on the stately main residence, which is surrounded by more than 5 acres of lit parklike grounds filled with rolling lawns and mature trees. A Giverny-inspired bridge crosses water within view of the mansion.

Eighteen fluted Doric-style columns support a wide wraparound porch running the width of the house, giving the façade a pleasing symmetry. Shutters frame the multiple French doors that open to the porch. Cedar joinery and fine woodwork carry throughout the five-bedroom, five-bathroom home.

In addition to a 19th-century guest house are newer buildings and facilities for guests and staff for a total of 10 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms on the estate. Among them are a separate manager’s residence, guest and operations complex, extensive garages, workshop and storage space.

The stable building, complete with brick pavers, skylights and light-toned wooden ceiling, includes 10 stalls, a tack room and saddlery.

Although Glenrock may be two centuries away from its beginnings, the estate is less than a two-hour drive, or quick helicopter jaunt, from Sydney.

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