Historic Tarana homestead turned bed and breakfast on the market

Sitting in the quaint town of Tarana in the Central West of NSW, is an enchanting 1840s property that now operates as a bed and breakfast and function venue.

Affectionately named Mutton Falls, the home is slated on a 4046-square-metre parcel of land and was built by Richard Mutton as a gift for his sister Anne Webb and her family. 

Originally a farmhouse and dairy, Webb raised her five children and ran a general store within the charming homestead. The store was notorious for being robbed by bushrangers several times.

“It’s a property steeped in bushranger history,” said listing agent Simon Platt, of The Property Gallery.

The property is now on the market for only the third time in 150 years, and is giving potential buyers the unique opportunity to own a piece of history or a change in lifestyle — which was the case for owners John Wessling and his partner Lynn Tiernan.

In 2015, when the couple were driving towards Tarana to buy a dog, they spotted the for-sale sign to Mutton Falls along the way, drove in and soon after were the new owners of a house instead. 

“They had no idea that they were going to buy the property… but they popped in and just fell in love with the place,” Mr Platt said.

“So, they put an offer in and walked away with the keys that same day.”

According to government records, they purchased Mutton Falls for $1.035 million.

Under their ownership, they converted the barn, which was previously the dairy, into a fully equipped function centre with a commercial kitchen and toilets.

As for the bed-and-breakfast homestead, the couple worked tirelessly to maintain the period charm of the home while also adding modest touches to create a functional and cosy retreat for guests.

Today, when you walk through the homestead, you’ll find an original fireplace in the living room with French windows that look out over the aromatic herb garden and pebbled courtyard. 

Outside, luscious greenery wraps around the entirety of the estate and envelopes visitors with endless sights of beauty. Mutton Falls is as picturesque as they come, complete with a water lily pond fountain.

Over the five years, Mr Wessling and Ms Tiernan ran the business while travelling to and from their own home in the Central Coast.

But as the years have gone by, they are now ready to hang up the boots on Mutton Falls and hand over the reins for its next chapters to be written.

“Now it’s time for Mutton Falls to change hands and for another family to come in and continue its rich history for many years to come,” Mr Platt said.

View property