History and comfort converge at famous Prickle Farm in Gundaroo

Built way back in 1874, this historic Gundaroo cottage presents a careful culmination of old and new.

50 Morning Street is affectionately known as ‘The Prickle Farm’, thanks to Mike and Janet Hayes, who purchased the property as a real ‘fixer-upper’ in 1981. The couple shared their many trials, tribulations and funny family stories in a popular ABC radio series of the same name, down to sharing their bathwater while icicles dripped on their heads from the thin ceiling above.

The Prickle Farm was featured on the small screen in all its ramshackle glory more than a few times. But these days, it’s lovingly restored and holds all the comforts you’d expect in a modern village home.

Sales agent at Ray White Canberra Chris Dixon has lived in Gundaroo for three decades, and he reckons you can’t get more charming than this.

“Often when homes like this one are renovated, you lose that sense of history,” he says.

“But the current owners have taken a restorative approach, carefully enhancing the rustic flavour of each room without covering up the things that make it special.

“From the moment you walk past the white picket fence and set foot on the front steps, which are proudly weathered from many a visitor, your eyes are drawn to original pieces: Cypress pine floorboards and flagstone floors, shiplap walls, high ceilings and low profile doorways all speak of a time long since passed.”

Entry into the home’s sitting room makes a star of one of the first original features – a red brick fireplace, worn from years of use.

“I can imagine the Hayes and their four children settled around the fire here, laughing about what they got up to that day,” Chris says.

“Beyond the sitting room, three bedrooms and a fourth bedroom, study or rumpus room make this a great contender for growing families looking for that rural lifestyle.”

Head through to the modern kitchen, dining and living area, and the house becomes light and airy. Despite being totally open plan, the space remains cosy thanks to a combustion fireplace in the centre.

Yet another ode to the past is a freestanding clawfoot tub and coloured glass in the main bathroom. There is also a second, separate toilet next to the dedicated laundry.

Once visitors experience the gardens outdoors, Chris says ideas are bound to start flowing.

“You’ve got beautiful cottage gardens that border multiple entertaining areas, one with a wood heater to help keep the fun going on chilly nights.

“There’s also a kitchen garden loaded with herbs and veggies ready for new custodians, a chook pen, and plenty of room to add your dream orchard or greenhouse.”

But the pièce de résistance has to be the cedar barrel sauna, tucked into a leafy corner by the current owners. It comes equipped with a 6 kW Harvia heater and can fit four people with ease.

A few steps down the old-style red brick path from the sauna is an expansive 96 sqm shed.

“The current owners use it as a gym, storage and hobby area, but you could easily use it as a garage for that car restoration project or set it up as a hideaway for older kids,” Chris says.

“There’s also a beautiful lawn right next to it for littler kids to play on while the adults watch from around the in-ground fire pit a few metres away.”

The Prickle Farm comes equipped with a 7.47 kW solar system ready to reduce energy costs, two 20,000-plus litre rainwater tanks and dual access at the front and back of the almost 1900 sqm block.

Gundaroo is just half an hour from north Canberra, with award-winning eateries, a local grocery and general store, a great little primary school and easy bus drop-offs for nearby high schools.

You’d be forgiven for never wanting to leave home.

For more information on 50 Morning Street, Gundaroo, or to book a private inspection, contact Chris Dixon on 0414 819 377, and be sure to check out all the latest listings on Zango.