10 August 2020

Back to the future at Victorian era Thornleigh and the (not so) Secret Garden

| Sharon Kelley
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Thornleigh homestead at Bungendore

Two residences and almost 140 years of history at Bungendore. Photos: Supplied.

‘Thornleigh’ homestead sits on a 1332 metre square block at 21 Forster Street in Bungendore, and has been a feature property in the region since it was built in the 1880s.

It’s renowned for its stunning gardens, which are as faithful to a cottage garden of the 1880s as they could possibly be. There are hundreds of bulbs, roses, annuals, perennials, heritage roses and trees. And for those who remember the childhood favourite The Secret Garden, you’ll be transported back to your youth at Thornleigh, behind a wall with all kinds of treasures within.

“The gardens at Thornleigh have been opened to the public during Open Gardens events,” said Luton Properties sales agent Katrice Valnaar, “and they surround a home which has a Victorian build and theme, but a modern extension allowing open plan living.

“There are two residences on the block: the Thornleigh homestead and the Cottage. Both have been modernised and thoroughly restored,” she said.

“The Thornleigh homestead, an 1880s build, has retained all the character and atmosphere of the original homestead, with stained glass windows, fireplaces, high ceilings, ceiling roses and cornices. It’s a stunning home.”

The deeply luxurious master bedroom has a built-in robe and is decorated in the chinoiserie style of the Victorian era. It was hand-painted by a renowned Chinese artist using traditional oriental designs.

The room has the original fireplace, and the wardrobes are stunningly painted to match the theme of the room. A wooden mantlepiece over the fireplace and an overhead fan complete the room, a refreshingly colourful heritage style, with sash windows and picture rails.

The master bedroom

The master bedroom decorated by a renowned Chinese artist.

The master bathroom is also a stunning demonstration of modern convenience with Victorian-era decorative style. Pine floorboards and dark wood vanity units and wall-mounted mirrors with stained glass windows contribute to a calming space, where a luxuriating soak is a priority. The bath has a shower hose and gold fittings, adding class to the unique and beautiful room.

The stunning claw-foot free standing bath

The stunning claw-foot freestanding bath in the updated bathroom.

In the original Victorian-era build, there are three further bedrooms, a kitchen, a lounge and a study.

The study is a masterpiece of style with bespoke floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, an original fireplace in working condition, gold cornices and ceiling rose mixed with blue feature walls and white sash windows.

The stunning Victorian-era study

The stunning Victorian-era study.

Through a light and airy passage the original Victorian-era building transitions to the new extension, a new heritage architectural award winner. This extension is sympathetic to the Victorian homestead, but entirely modern with a mezzanine floor, spiral staircase and the country kitchen of your dreams.

There are hand-picked solid redgum benches in the kitchen, a large walk-in pantry and it merges into the open plan dining/living area where the combination of a cathedral ceiling, baltic pine timber floors and French paned windows create a modern and inspiring open plan living style.

The home has many more surprises, including a turret for viewing the countryside or the stars at night. The cottage on the property is a one-bedroom self-contained residence, with high ceilings and the same Victorian-era style.

You can view this Victorian-era homestead and cottage at 21 Forster Street in Bungendore online, and see all the other hot listings on Zango. If you would like further information or to book a private inspection, contact Luton Properties sales agent Katrice Valnaar on 0411 449 071.

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