New start for NSW property Mylora, a home with history

Owner and manager of the historic NSW property Mylora, Angus Graham, has poured his life into the land.

The homestead at the heart Mylora near Yass in NSW.

Owner and manager of the historic NSW property Mylora, Angus Graham, has poured his life into the land, shaping both its ­legacy and future.

After nearly 27 years on the property, Graham and his wife Emma feel a deep sense of custodial responsibility for the significant holding, which has had only two owners in its 170-year history.

Now, with their young family, they’ve made the decision to put the property up for sale.

“I grew up locally, just 20 minutes from here,” Graham says.

“In the late 1990s, we partnered with an English investor to purchase Mylora. My family moved here to manage it, and eventually, we bought our partner out.”

Embracing the rural lifestyle, the Grahams appreciate the strong community spirit of Binalong, near Yass, along with easy access to amenities and the cities of Canberra and Sydney.

“We do a lot socially with other families, and sport plays a big part of the lifestyle,” Graham adds.

“We’re fortunate to have a number of small towns and villages nearby, and Sydney is within easy reach.”

Set on 3207ha of prime agricultural land, just 7km from the Hume Highway and an hour’s drive from Canberra, Mylora features a restored six-bedroom bluestone homestead, a manager’s cottage, two staff cottages, and shearers’ quarters with room for 18 workers. Positioned at the junction of Illalong and Jugiong Creeks, the property benefits from a reliable water supply that has been essential for livestock over the years.

“The water’s always been a major feature and we often have picnics by the creek, which is just 100m from the house,” ­Graham says.

Steeped in Australian folklore, Mylora’s history is tied to the gold rush and bushranger era. Located next to the childhood home of poet AB “Banjo” Paterson, the property has seen its share of mail coach hold-ups, bushrangers and scandals, adding to its charm and rich heritage.

“Cobb & Co used to change horses here, which made it a ­target for bushrangers,” Graham explained.

Angus and Emma Graham at their property Mylora.

“There’s an old bakery on the farm that used to deliver bread by horse – it’s all part of the property’s history.”

In the past 10 years significant updates have been made to the homestead, blending modern comforts with historical charm.

One of the couple’s businesses, Woodstock Resources, specialises in sourcing reclaimed European materials, which they’ve used throughout the property, including oak parquetry flooring and ­restored mantelpieces.

“We’ve worked hard to keep the heritage intact while modernising where needed,” Graham says. “The old jail under the kitchen, once used to hold prisoners during the stagecoach days, has been transformed into self-contained accommodation. That’s been a special addition.”

The former ballroom is now the light-filled master bedroom, featuring retractable doors that open onto the veranda, capturing the summer breezes, while a synthetic tennis court, in-ground swimming pool, and 3ha of manicured lawns and gardens create a resort-like ambience.

A new roof, insulation, and ­hydronic heating have been installed, and the property has been rewired. The kitchen, with its vaulted ceilings, has marble benches, an Aga stove, and an oversized central island.

Inside the historic homestead of Mylora.

Mindful of sustainability while renovating, the Grahams have preserved many of the original features while sourcing reclaimed materials like oak and terracotta, and installing double-insulated ­bi-fold doors to enhance energy ­efficiency. Listed for sale with McGrath Rural via an expressions of interest campaign closing on ­November 15, Mylora is expected to attract offers over $30m.

Graham hopes the next owner will appreciate the property’s historical significance while recognising its agricultural potential, with prime land, rolling pastures, and modern facilities ready to support a larger operation.

“With 116 titles and plenty of undeveloped land, there’s significant potential for growth,” he says.

“It’s been a huge decision to sell, and I’ll miss the place dearly, but we’re ready for the next phase. If the right investor came along and wanted me to stay involved in some way, I’d be happy to.”