Kyneton: Restoration Australia home ‘The Lawns’ hits the market after massive reno

The Lawns at 69 Wedge St, Kyneton, dates back to 1871.

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One of Australia’s oldest Victorian-era manor houses, which underwent a painstaking $600,000 restoration filmed for television, is for sale with a $2.75m-$3m price guide.

Named The Lawns, thanks to the large expanse of grass in its front garden, the home at 69 Wedge St, Kyneton, was built for local brewer Robert Cock circa-1871.

In 2021, the ABC show Restoration Australia followed current owners Shannon and Liza Boyer as they worked with multiple tradespeople and experts, including VR Builders and

architect Maggie Edmond, to bring the then-dilapidated three-bedroom residence back to life.

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Described on the program as one of the nation’s oldest and most notable surviving Victorian-era manor houses, the building is classified as significant by the National Trust.

The house, set on bluestone foundations, features timber architectural details, a Welsh slate roof, large original windows, fireplaces and an ornate plaster ceiling in the drawing room.

An AGA oven and the 1871-installed pantry, complete with cedar bread boxes, cupboards and shelving, add to the kitchen’s historic ambience.

Broadhurst Property Kyneton director Robert Broadhurst said a north-facing veranda located off the library and guest bedroom was considered one of the oldest timber structures of its kind in Australia.

The ornate ceilings and large windows hark back to the property’s origins in the 1800s.

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The gate opens to a bluestone-edged path flanked by lawns, topiary and European trees and hedges.

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A wine cellar, two bathrooms, ducted airconditioning and a hydronic heating system are among the other highlights.

Set on 2772 sqm, The Lawns’ outdoor area includes European trees like cedars, elms, magnolias, liquid amber and fruit trees.

“The owners went to effort in planting varieties that would have been propagated in the same era that 69 Wedge St was built,” Mr Broadhurst said.

“It will be a property that is loved and adored by all Kyneton locals for many years if not centuries to come.

“There is a special feeling in heritage homes of this nature, it is like seeing a familiar friend but also being treated a grand welcome.”

The kitchen is home to an AGA oven and an original pantry from 1871.

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This photo of The Lawns is believed to have been taken late 1800-early 1900s. At the time, the property belonged to Hugh Rawson who served as a member of Victorian parliament between 1892 and 1900. The photo was supplied by Mr Rawson’s great grandson.

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A vast swath of green lawn in the front garden gives the home its name.

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In addition to a heritage overlay on The Lawns, an environmental significance overlay prevents any development within the front yard.

But there is planning approval in place to further extend the house with an open-plan kitchen, dining and living space, and to reconfigure its heritage outbuildings.

Mr Broadhurst said the property was also the former home of Victorian MP Hugh Rawson, who served in parliament between 1892-1900.

One of the two bathrooms.

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A perfect spot to enjoy some tea and scones.

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At their Restoration Australian episode’s conclusion, Mr and Ms Boyer said they had spent about $600,000 fixing The Lawns but were planning on potentially paying more to enhance it further.

However, Mr Broadhurst said they had now decided to sell the abode as it was not their main home.

“The owners stated that this home needs to be lived in and enjoyed,” he added.

The closing date for the sale is 6pm on April 30.

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