Goulburn masterpiece on the market packed with history and charm

Never have I come across a home with the grandeur and majesty of 244- 246 Cowper Street, Goulburn. 

Affectionately known as Hurstville, the more than 2500-square-metre property conjures up visions of lords and ladies sipping freshly brewed English Breakfast tea as they gossip beneath ornate trees and beside perfectly squared hedges. 

Or have I simply pulled a scene from the popular Netflix series, Bridgerton? Either way, this home is reminiscent of more regal times and is as antique as it gets in this corner of Australia. 

Steeped in history and known as one of Goulburn’s landmark residences, the remarkable manor was designed and built in 1861 for Anne Hurst, the widow to wealthy Methodist minister, Reverend Benjamin Hurst, who died in 1857. 

Since then, the mansion has had various uses. In the 1880s, it operated as a private boys’ school under the auspices of the Church of England for both borders and day boys, and continued until the property was sold in 1888. 

Apparently, the land was then subdivided into 70 allotments of Hurstville Park for villa residences. In the following years, it saw numerous owners and another round of subdivisions in 1937.

“In 2006, the property was completely renovated and restored to its original glory and adored by the owners until they sold it to the current vendors, who have enjoyed the residence for some time,” says agent Justin Gay of Ray White Goulburn. 

With the help of local conservation builders and tradesmen, the home was brought back to its original grandeur from a completely unrecognisable state. 

Hurstville, as it stands today, is a blend of romantic, refined elegance and modern-day luxuries. 

“The facade and street appeal of this property offer a grand first impression,” says Gay. 

“Positioned proudly behind the iron gates and dressed with a perfectly manicured circular driveway, the front entrance is spectacular. As the front door opens you are greeted by the original chequered stone flooring and an impressive cedar staircase and joinery in the entrance hall.

“The attention to detail during the restoration of the property is second to none, including the joinery and other period features such as the plethora of decorative wood-burning fireplaces.”

The home is a never-ending spread of rooms, including separate formal dining and lounge rooms, two home offices, a gourmet kitchen, a family room, a sitting nook, five bedrooms, an expansive wraparound hardwood-covered verandah, a wine cellar and more. 

“We love the formal living room of the house with the extra high windows, which allow for a peaceful oasis at any time of the day,” says Gay.

“The casual dining area features multiple French doors that open to the rear yard, which we love for entertaining. This space is great for family gatherings along with spring and summer events.”

The main bedroom sits on the top level and comes with its own marble fireplace, dressing room and limestone en suite. 

From the upstairs balcony, you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’ve been transported to the Tuscan countryside as you overlook the manicured, European gardens and surrounding area.

Goulburn

View property

Price guide: $2.6 million +

Private sale

Agent: Ray White Goulburn, Justin Gay 0429 795 507