A beautifully restored rural homestead of remarkable heritage and character, Larbert House sits quietly in the landscape less than an hour from Canberra. Positioned between Bungendore and Braidwood, yet worlds away from modern life, this property transports you to another era Sheltered by western bushland and enjoying sweeping valley views toward the Shoalhaven River, the two-storey stone residence is a rare, authentic example of early colonial architecture.
Known as Larbert House, and sometimes called the "Cottage of Content" in early records, the residence dates to the formative years of European settlement in the region during the early to mid-nineteenth century. Offered to the market for the first time, it presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure a landmark of local history. The story of Larbert House is intertwined with the pioneering Ryrie family of nearby Arnprior, who envisaged establishing the township of Larbert nearby. Although it never materialised, the vision supported the Basingthwaighte family's decision to establish their homestead here in the 1830s. Over the following decades, the family raised nine children here and established a respected grazing enterprise, with strong community ties continuing until the property's first sale in 1892. Through marriage, the Basingthwaighte family remained connected to the area well into the twentieth century. More recently, Larbert House formed part of a larger rural holding that included the celebrated Mayfield Estate, before its sale by the prominent Balmain family in 2016.
The buildings have served many roles - as a cherished family home and, at various times, a local post office, school and even a dance hall. Despite this rich history, the structures on the title are notably unencumbered by heritage listings. The house's distinctive character has been carefully preserved. Original materials and architectural details remain throughout, while thoughtful improvements introduce modern comfort without compromising its authenticity. Recent restoration works include repairs to the historic stonework, a new kitchen, new flooring, comprehensive interior refurbishment and complete roof replacement. The works were guided by architect Michael Ford - Brisbane-based yet with personal ties to the region and home - with an emphasis on preserving the residence's integrity for generations to come.
The Homestead
Offering approximately 200m² of internal accommodation, the home has four bedrooms, one downstairs and three upstairs. The impressive first-floor master occupies approximately half the upper level and includes a walk-in robe. Two bathrooms, one upstairs and one downstairs, both include baths, complemented by a separate office. Living spaces include formal sitting and dining rooms, each with an open fireplace, plus an informal living and dining area with slow-combustion wood fire. The farmhouse kitchen features a gas oven, farmhouse sink, generous storage, coffee nook and pass-through window overlooking the north-facing patio and original apple trees. A laundry/mudroom, east and west terraces and formal front porch complete the accommodation.
Defining architectural features include original exposed stone walls, approximately 500mm thick, providing thermal mass that retains warmth in winter and coolness in summer. Hardwood timber floors and classic fixtures complement the original architecture, while cathedral-height ceilings and dormer windows upstairs create light-filled spaces capturing uninterrupted views across the surrounding countryside.
Services & Self-Sufficiency
The property is established for comfortable self-sufficient living. Solar panels and lithium batteries provide electricity, with capacity to expand both battery storage and solar generation. Approximately 75,000 litres of rainwater storage services the house and studio, with pumps and filtration to drinking locations. A maintained septic treatment system provides waste management. High-speed Starlink internet makes working from home, streaming and everyday connectivity readily achievable.
A substantial original stone-lined well, fed by an underground spring, provides additional water suitable for gardens, livestock or firefighting.
Studio / Guest Accommodation
Separate from the homestead is a private approximately 100m² self-contained studio/workshop, offering exceptional flexibility for guests, creative pursuits or working from home. The light-filled studio includes its own bathroom with bath, kitchenette and slow-combustion wood-burning stove and shares services with the main residence. Additional improvements include a two-car carport, two large secure storage containers with shelving, dedicated battery/fuel/generator storage, laundry and potting shed.
Gardens & Grounds
Established gardens provide an idyllic setting for the historic stone buildings. A wooded driveway creates a memorable arrival, complemented by ornamental pears, wisteria, grape vines, olives, cottage roses and a lavender hedge. Raised vegetable gardens sit beside the homestead and studio, while the established orchard includes fruiting apple, pear, plum and peach trees. A poultry shed and enclosed chook run further enhance the traditional country lifestyle. Remnants of another original stone building, historically ancillary to the main residence, remain on the property and may offer potential for future development, subject to relevant approvals.
Larbert House is more than a beautifully restored country residence. It is a tangible piece of the district's early history - a home that has witnessed almost two centuries of rural life and has now been carefully prepared for its next custodian. Within easy reach of Canberra and positioned between Bungendore and Braidwood, Larbert House offers an increasingly rare combination of history, privacy, self-sufficiency, architectural integrity and extraordinary rural beauty.
