Historic Hordern family farm to go under the hammer

Legend has it that Emily Hordern of the prominent retail family planted an acorn at Spring Ponds in the 1850s — now the historic property is to go under the hammer.

The original colonial slab cottage, believed to be the Horderns’ home, at 1224 Jerrara Rd, Bungonia.

Legend has it that Emily Hordern, whose family went on to become prominent Sydney retailers, planted an acorn in the yard of Spring Ponds as far back as the 1850s.

That grand oak stands tall over the homestead and the tradition continues today.

“Whenever we have special people come to the property, we have them plant a tree,” said current owner Julie Entwistle.

“It’s a tradition the previous owners kept, so we carried it on.”

Ms Entwistle and her husband Jason, director of strategic development at investment firm Hub24, bought the 521ha rural retreat at Bungonia near Goulburn in 2021 for $8.75m according to records, but a change of plans has meant the Sydney-based couple is letting it go.

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The front verandah at the main homestead looks out over the extensive grounds.

The main homestead, with the historic Oak tree in the foreground, has been recently renovated and refurbished in keeping with the period.

The main house has seven bedrooms and five bathrooms including three ensuites with heated stone floors.

The huge property, which includes a homestead and several other houses, goes up for auction on November 30 with a $12m-$13m price guide via Elias Sleiman of @Realty.

“There’s so much potential with Spring Ponds,” Mr Sleiman said.

“It’s the perfect place for anyone looking to pursue farming, or develop the land in the future.”

Ms Entwistle added: “It has been an absolute sanctuary and a beautiful retreat for family and friends.

“We’ve had lots of memorable times there.

“We’re just going to really miss it.”

The couple had been seeking a regional getaway and were taken by the property’s local story.

“We were looking for a home away from home and fell in love with its Australian history,” she said.

“And the place is just so alive with native wildlife, the gardens and the views are magnificent.

“It was the whole package.”

A working fine merino sheep station, the estate is home to more than 1500 sheep and a rich past.

The property even has a tennis court.

There are 11 dams on the property.

First settled by Europeans in 1811, evidence of Spring Ponds’ history still stands on site with an original colonial slab cottage, believed to be the Horderns’ home, among the numerous outbuildings.

“It’s incredible how after two centuries it’s in such great shape,” says Mr Sleiman.

“It’s such a rare find.”

Back on the market for only the second time in more than a century, the estate was named after the multiple natural springs on the property which flow into the creek.

“With the property broken up into 15 portions, the potential to subdivide one day subject to council approval is another added bonus.”

The main residence has been recently renovated and refurbished in keeping with the period, while incorporating modern features.

With a deep vine-covered verandah hugging the L-shaped floor plan, there are seven bedrooms, five bathrooms including three ensuites with heated stone floors.

Additional on-site accomodation includes a bonus three- to four-bedroom home.

There are a range of outbuildings, including an old barn and shearing shed.

Two bedrooms have private access to a separate lounge room and kitchenette and carport, making it an ideal guest suite or short term rental option.

In the main kitchen there is a walk-in pantry, a grand breakfast bar and meals area as well as views over the country gardens and tennis court.

There is also a choice of formal and informal spaces for entertaining.

Additional on-site accomodation includes a bonus three- to four-bedroom home and farm buildings including a shearer’s cottage, shearer’s quarters, a four-stand shearing shed, workshop, machinery shed, an old barn which can shelter 1200 sheep and a chicken coop.

Extra recent improvements include a silo, solar pump, water tanks, a trough system, newly resurfaced driveways, security gates and cameras.

Spring Ponds is separated into 25 paddocks with 11 dams with Spring Ponds Creek running through the property.

The estate is 30kms from Goulburn, 120km from Canberra and 180km from Sydney.

Originally published as Historic Hordern family farm to go under the hammer