RENOVATING a seven-bedroom 19th Century homestead was never going to be easy, but it was certainly worth the challenge for Sid and Lesley Downie.
The couple purchased “Springwell”, the historic Snowy Mountains homestead, in 2005 and set about restoring it to reveal all of its stately glory.
“We like older houses because we like their character. Here, we kept all the structure in place and simply tried to renovate it in sympathy with how it might have been in its hey day,” Mr Downie said.
The internal renovations took three years to finish.
One of the most notable homesteads in the Cooma region, “Springwell” was built by the iconic pastoral family, the Litchfields, between 1894 and 1896.
James Litchfield came to the district in the 1850s and took up “Springwell” in 1862. It was during the 1870s he established the Hazeldean Merino stud – now one of NSW's most significant rural properties – while living at “Springwell”.
In fact, the Litchfield family owned the Cooma property up until the Downies took ownership. But now the time has come for the Downies to sell.
They have listed the 141 hectare (350 acre) property with Cooma agent Shannon Fergusson of Fergusson Real Estate.
“We’ve enjoyed the property for 11 years and even though we love the peaceful lifestyle here we’re now thinking about our retirement.”
The Victorian style home features seven bedrooms and three bathrooms. Its formal living and entertaining areas reflect the true style of the late 1800s.
Mr Downie’s favourite aspect of the property is its view to Cooma’s famed mountains, “The Brothers”.
The garden at “Springwell” is well established, featuring beautifully presented lawns, gardens and trees, which compliment the magnificent homestead.
A renovated two bedroom cottage is nestled in the garden.
In years gone by the Downies grazed sheep and cattle on the property and they are currently running an Angus herd on agistment.
Working improvements include cattle yards.
