Large slice of local history for sale as Bungendore farm hits the market

This 185.3-hectare property has been in the same family for more than a century and current owner Pam Sassella says it has enjoyed a long life as a sheep farm.

“It’s been known as the Mathews family farm for a long time and it first belonged to Bernard and Lizzie Cunningham,” Pam says.

The Cunninghams settled on the property in the early 1900s and were joined by Lizzie’s nephew, Patrick Mathews in 1926.

The 16-year-old Irish immigrant arrived in Australia to help out on the farm and the property was eventually left in the hands of his grandson, Patrick Mathews the third.

Patrick and his partner Pam ran the farm from 1984, until Patrick died suddenly in 2009.

For eight years Pam has been running it on her own.

“I grew up in country Western Australia on a property, so I’m fairly comfortable with the space and the work,” Pam says.

However, it has been a huge task for one person and Pam’s looking forward to downsizing.

The large holding comprises 11 dams, three bores, a large machinery shed, an upgraded shearing sheds and yards.

The original settlers cottage and bunk home, which date to the early 1900s, remain on the property, but they have been joined by a modern three-bedroom house.

The home captures sweeping northern views and features an updated kitchen with family area, a separate lounge and dining space and a covered alfresco area ideal for entertaining.

Pam says it’s not just the farm life she will miss.

“The birdlife has been stunning,” she says. “There’s over 40 varieties of birds – big birds, little birds and a pair of eagles that nest in the hills.”

Expressions of interest close on August 1 at 4pm. Inspect: By appointment, Michael Dyer, LJ Hooker Queanbeyan 0438 174 400.

3 Pasmore Close, Kaleen
​$900,000-plus, EER: 2.5

When Ian Sangston first inspected this Kaleen property in 1997, Louis Poxleitner’s distinctive build grabbed him immediately.

Ian has allowed the design, defined by timber details and garden views, to guide the home’s meticulous renovations.

Exposed beams have been carried throughout the extensions and seamlessly tie the old and the new together.

“We really wanted to keep the look of the house,” Ian says, however there isn’t a room in the home that hasn’t been updated.

From the fully renovated kitchen to the hydronic heating and solar panels, each addition has been carefully considered.

The extended family room features raked ceilings and an electric window. It opens onto an enclosed entertaining area overlooking the established yard.

Even the gardens have been treated to an update with a dry rock creek bed leading the way to the home’s entrance.

After 20 years in the home, the West Australian native is moving back to his home state.

“My family and my partner’s family are over there so we’re going to move back there and get something near the beach.”

Auction: Saturday, July 29 at noon, onsite. Inspect: Saturday, 11am-11.45am and Thursday, 5pm-5.30pm. Agent: Michael and Jenny McReynolds, Luton Properties Dickson, 0419 688 034.