Historic Bonnyrigg House set for auction as State Government plans sale
By
In what is set to be a landmark event in the Australian real estate market, the State Government has announced the auction of Bonnyrigg House, one of the country’s oldest properties. The auction is scheduled for October 25, marking the first time the heritage-listed homestead has been made available for private ownership in nearly two centuries.
Located at 19-21 Cartwright Street in Bonnyrigg Heights, the historic homestead was constructed in 1826. Designed by the renowned architect Francis Greenway and built by A. Kinghorne and Thomas Moore, the estate has served various roles over its long history, including as an orphanage for boys and as schoolmaster’s quarters. Originally, it sat on a sprawling farm where boys were taught essential farming skills.
Historical records, such as an 1863 survey, reveal that the property was once surrounded by paddocks and a working vineyard. The estate’s vineyard was notable for producing some of the first Australian wines exported to Europe as early as 1831. However, by the late 19th century, the church overseeing the orphanage decided to subdivide the land, significantly altering the property’s landscape.
Today, Bonnyrigg House occupies a 2,500 square metre parcel within Homestead Park and boasts a 50-metre street frontage. Despite its rich history and iconic status, the property is in need of significant restoration. The New South Wales Department of Planning and Environment is actively seeking new custodians to take on this restoration challenge.
Gary Attard and Jorge Vasquez of Andrew Partners Real Estate are spearheading the auction. Attard, who has more than two decades of experience in the industry, expressed excitement about the opportunity to list such a historic property. “It’s got character, charm, and a whole lot of history. Blocks of this size are rarely seen in the area set in a most convenient and popular location among quality homes; this one is sure to attract plenty of attention,” he said.
The Bonnyrigg Heights area has seen a notable increase in property values over the past year, with median house prices rising by 5.3%, according to PropTrack data. The typical house in the suburb now commands a price of $1.284 million. However, grander homes in the neighbourhood have fetched significantly higher prices at auction. For instance, a five-bedroom house on the same street recently sold for $2.5 million, setting a suburb record.
In July, another property—a newly built seven-bedroom, six-bathroom house on 841 square metres at 245 North Liverpool Road—achieved a sale price of $3.1 million at auction. These sales underscore the strong demand for premium properties in the area, a trend that could influence the auction outcome for Bonnyrigg House.
As it stands, Bonnyrigg House features three to four bedrooms, one bathroom, multiple living areas, and several original period features, including a full-width veranda at the rear. The property also includes a sunroom, lounge room, and separate dining room, all of which contribute to its historic charm.
The auction comes at a time when Bonnyrigg and Bonnyrigg Heights are experiencing a period of revitalisation. The region, located approximately 50 kilometres from Sydney’s Central Business District, is part of the State Government’s $855 million Bonnyrigg Estate renewal housing plan. This ambitious project aims to deliver nearly 3,000 dwellings, including 900 social housing homes, alongside new community amenities.
The Bonnyrigg Dhanawi Hub, a key component of the renewal plan, opened in 2024. It features a large hall for social and cultural activities, meeting rooms, play areas, and a shared community garden, enhancing the suburb’s appeal to both residents and potential buyers.
The auction of Bonnyrigg House represents a unique opportunity for buyers to own a piece of Australian history. As the property goes under the hammer, all eyes will be on the auction, anticipating whether this historic estate will set a new benchmark in the Bonnyrigg Heights real estate market.