Former Fairfax estate for sale in the Southern Highlands
An iconic Southern Highlands property owned by a famed publishing family is up for sale for the second time in the past year.
Knight Frank has launched a fresh campaign for the 30 plus bedroom estate, originally owned by the Fairfax family, which was for sale through another agency in early 2022.
The property, at 4 Ranelagh Rd Burradoo, is known by Bowral locals as Knoyle Estate and sits on the highest point in Burradoo on 4.54 acres.
With a price guide of $12m, it is one of the largest landholdings in the region with current owners Gary and Maryanne Nolan deciding to move on.
The property has four residences including a main two storey mansion and three guest residences.
MORE
Stage star’s final act: giving his house to charity
Interior designer’s ‘chic sanctuary’ up for sale
Trophy home inspired by tree ‘embrace’ sells for $20m
Built in the 1880s, the main house was designed by London architect Maurice Adams for Charles Fairfax as a country retreat for the famed publishing family.
Charles Fairfax is the grandson of Herald founder John Fairfax.
“Adams also drew plans for his Sydney estate, the renowned Queen-Anne revival historic property Caerleon in Bellevue Hill,” the listing states.
The property has many similarities to the former Fairfax family estate, Elaine, in Sydney Harbour.
The Burradoo property was held by Fairfax until the 1930s, then another family until the 1960s when the Sacred Heart Convent took over.
Knight Frank agents Nathan Berlyn and Andrew Blake said the property had a “massive amount of history,”.
“There are former Nun’s quarters at the back and the original house was an escape location during World War 2,” Mr Berlyn said.
“It has had a variety of uses, being a boarding school at one point, and the additions over time have created an incredible offering, with complete privacy and wide pretty garden vistas.”
The 10 bedroom mansion has six bathrooms, three dressing rooms and four powder rooms The gardens were designed by the Fairfax family with century old trees, full arch canopies, flower gardens and a permanent 7-level private labyrinth.
MORE
Puzzling reason rental went up in flames
Top 10 Sydney suburbs luring first home buyers
Roosters star’s ‘astronomical’ price for home
There are also two historical buildings on the property known as The Mews and The Old School House, which currently house tenants, along with an eight bedroom building.
Mr Blake said the property, which launch on the market this week, would be suited to investors, developers or owner occupiers.
“The property could be used in its current form as a grand home, but there is also the opportunity to repurpose the residence, as well as to develop, subject to council approval and hence for it to instead be a commercial acquisition,” he said.
“Other possible uses include a bed and breakfast or a country hotel with the demand for premium accommodation in the area, a luxury wellness retreat, a wedding or events venue, a cooking school, an art gallery or even as a retail outlet for antique dealers.
“There is also the potential for a group homes and seniors’ living.”
According to property records, the property last sold for $3,685,000 in 2014.
Knight Frank Research shows there were 147 prime sales – over $2 million – in the Southern Highlands over 2022.
Originally published as Former Fairfax estate for sale in the Southern Highlands
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7r7HWrGWcp51jrrZ7xaKlmqaTmnyzscClZJ6rpJbBpnvFqKmmnaJis6K10Z%2BYsWWVqMGiwMRmnaiqXaiurbGMoqVmrJiaerS71K2fnqqeYrWqs8elmKeco2S7psPSZqqtp6KufHmFkHGccZ2UaYKig8ByZ2prYZuycbKUmnCab5Zrf6Sx