14 August 2020

Literary history at Mayfield Mews and Albury House in Bowning going to auction

| Sharon Kelley
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The shopfront in Bowning

The cafe, gift store, shopfront and home steeped in Australian literary history. Photos: Supplied.

Can you picture Banjo Patterson and Henry Lawson discussing poetry and politics on this Bowning shopfront verandah? Both Patterson and Lawson reportedly wrote for The Bulletin magazine while staying at Albury House and the Mayfield Mews, which are both being auctioned this month. They would dispatch their written works from the Bowning Railway Station during regular stays between 1899 and 1913.

While various owners over the years have sympathetically restored the property, the history remains evident in the 12-foot high ceilings in the front and back of the home, and the hardwood timber floors and ceilings.

Hardwood floors and period features with 12 feet high ceilings at Albury House

Hardwood floors and period features with 12-foot high ceilings at Albury House.

The current owners, John and Averel Rogers, are selling the property for family and health reasons.

“We hope the new owners are people who’ve long desired to move to the country and run their business,” said Mr Rogers.

“Everything you need is here: high-speed internet, power and so on, but the cost of living is far lower and at the moment, many of Bowning’s locals are enjoying their time without the commute to Canberra for work each day.”

Historic Albury House

Historic Albury House.

Ray White Rural Yass and Canberra Agent George Southwell said he expects a young couple making the most of the shift towards remote work will be attracted to the property.

“A savvy operator could make Albury House into a beautiful bed and breakfast, while giving a new life to the cafe and gift store which are offered fully equipped, getting the once-popular nursery going again and leasing out the two large commercial spaces on the street.”

The two separate titles include commercial shopfronts which have been used over the years as a general store, an upholstery and curtain making business, and later an antiques and collectables centre, behind which are the old stables and the original coach house which has been converted into a cafe, gift shop and nursery.

The adjacent 150-year old Victorian-era house with its well-established gardens, English architecture, four large bedrooms and modern kitchen is a perfect home and would make an ideal bed and breakfast opportunity.

“The home can handle the Canberra region’s cold winters with two slow combustion fireplaces and air conditioning,” Mr Southwell said.

Mr Southwell said it is the multiple income streams that are the most distinctive characteristics of the property.

The property in Bowning

The property is expected to sell for more than $850,000.

Mr Southwell estimates around $65,000 in leasing revenue could be derived from the five different leasing opportunities on the properties.

Albury House and Mayfield Mews will be auctioned on 22 August at 11:00 am. The property is expected to be sold for more than $850,000.

You can view this property online, or if you would like further information or to book an inspection, contact Ray White sales agent George Southwell on 0429 838 345.

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