‘Like being in a time capsule’: Burnima Homestead hits the market

In the quaint town of Bombala, only two hours and 20 minutes from Canberra, is a 30-room property that’s etched in history and on the market for the first time in almost 20 years.

Lot 10 Burnima Road, affectionately known as Burnima Homestead, was built in 1896 and was designed by the same builder behind the Governor-General’s residence in Yarralumla and the much-loved Carrington Hotel in Katoomba.

“If Bombala was deemed the capital of Australia, this homestead would’ve become the Governor-General’s official residence,” said seller Steven Rickett.

“It was built around the same time as the Governor-General’s now-home in Canberra.”

Occupying a lush 12.42 hectares, the homestead could be best described as Australia’s version of the Highclere Castle in Newbury, England, otherwise known for its cameo in Downton Abbey.

The property boasts soaring plastered decorative ceilings, full-length arched windows, 15 fireplaces and the original baltic flooring.

Mr Rickett said the staircase was the most prominent feature of the property.

“The builder wanted the staircase to be left as a lasting memory of his work and a testament of his achievements,” Mr Rickett said.

“Everyone who has walked through those doors are immediately drawn to the stairs and are amazed by the sheer breadth of it, its height and the way the sun captures it through the stained glass skylight in the ceiling.”

It was love at first sight for Mr Rickett, who purchased the property in 2002.

“I saw it advertised and had a look and once I was in its presence, I couldn’t help but admire its period features, its Victorian architecture and its size,” he said.

“I fell in love with it straight away … It’s a bit like being in a time capsule.”

Mr Rickett said he purchased the property with the intent of it being his home but soon after he moved in, he spoke with some of the house’s former workers which then led to a trip down memory lane.

“The stories that these two people told me were incredible and slowly more people came forward with their stories and then people brought some of the original furniture, photos and books that were sold after the original owners died in 1952,” Mr Rickett said.

What eventuated was a recreation of what the property looked like.

“I invited some friends over for a visit eight years ago and they suggested I invite more people to the house so I planned an open day and a flock of people came through. From then on, I decided to host tours of the house including the 30 bedrooms and gardens every week,” he said.

Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, Mr Rickett welcomed three coaches from the North Coast, Newcastle and Wollongong every week to the property. Now Mr Rickett hosts the tours once every month and is booked out for the remainder of the year.

“Now that it’s on the market, people are drawn to it more and want a glimpse of it before I sell it,” he added.

“[The new buyers] will have the option of buying some of its period furniture, artefacts and objects,” said selling agent Don Menchin of Menchin Property Marketing.

“You could write a book on its history, it’s that rich. People who want to use it as a living museum can do that but it also has the perfect ambience to be a wedding venue or Airbnb accommodation.”

Mr Rickett has decided to part ways with the property but said, “It’s been a real emotional rollercoaster deciding to sell it.

“I’ve loved the place very much and have never grown tired of it. I hope the next owners don’t too.”

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