Much like the English gentry once retreating to the countryside, Sydneysiders have long sought solace in the Southern Highlands, swapping the fast-paced city life for a more tranquil existence. At the heart of this escape lies Burradoo, promising plenty of room to “live large”.
Just a scenic 90-minute drive from Sydney, Burradoo unfolds with its rolling hills, leafy streets, and grand estates. Stately manors stand proudly amid park-like gardens reminiscent of rural England. Yet, unlike the narrow, maze-like lanes of the UK, this exclusive enclave allows for the luxury of space – both in its wide-open roads and at home.
Though Burradoo’s scenery may evoke the English countryside, it’s southern Italy that finds a home in the kitchen of Pasquale Multari and Cindy Bowman. Drawing inspiration from Pasquale’s Calabrian roots, their cooking classes, Cucina Calabria, celebrate the soul of cucina povera – rustic, simple, and wholesome.
“We love welcoming people into our home kitchen to share the rich, lesser-known cuisine of southern Italy,” says Pasquale. “There’s something so special about sharing these culinary traditions here in Burradoo – after all, food is a window into any culture.”
People rarely move to Burradoo to downsize, but Pasquale and Cindy did just that. After moving to the Southern Highlands in 2000 and running an 80-hectare farm in Moss Vale – breeding pigs for top restaurants – they switched three years ago to a smaller property Pasquale purchased in the 1990s.
“Downsizing allowed us to devote more time to our passion for cooking and sharing it with others,” explains Cindy. “Burradoo’s residents are well-travelled and have a genuine appetite for cultural experiences.”
Certainly, the property landscape in Burradoo has undergone a dramatic shift since the 1990s. Over the past five years alone, the median house price has surged by 40 per cent and is now $2.43 million, according to Domain’s latest House Price Report.
“With land and properties in short supply, Burradoo’s prestige has become even more pronounced,” says Corina Nesci of agency Highland. “It’s this limited availability that drives demand, making it an attractive long-term investment for those seeking high-end properties.”
The signs of Burradoo’s affluence are unmistakable. Lavish homes come with all the trimmings – swimming pools, tennis courts, and equestrian facilities. The suburb even boasts its own pony club, and young families have their pick of well-regarded independent schools nearby.
“There may not be any local shops or cafes, but that only enhances its tranquillity,” Nesci explains. “In just four minutes, residents can be in Bowral, enjoying its boutique wineries, fine dining, and great shopping, before retreating back to their expansive, peaceful homes.”
Price guide: $8 million-$8.8 million
Agent: Highland – Southern Highlands, Corina Nesci 0416 523 155
This Hamptons-inspired retreat boasts high ceilings, exposed beams, and a stunning kitchen with two island benches and a butler’s pantry. The property includes a self-contained poolside guest house and a workshop attached to an oversized double garage with a loft retreat above.