Highclere Farm, 1895
Photo credit Michele Aboud
History
Originally named ‘Blackburn Hall’, Highclere is a grand 36-room homestead built by George Weir in the Victorian Italianate style - featuring a steel framed, four-storey tower. Weir, a Scottish immigrant and engineer, founded Weir Group PLC, one of the United Kingdom’s oldest engineering firms, along with his brother James. The homestead’s unique architectural features can be attributed to his engineering background, including 16 original fireplaces cleverly linked to two chimneys, cantilevered passageways connecting the upstairs bedrooms, and a six-flight, cedar and hoop pine staircase that appears gracefully suspended with iron tie rods.
Ahead of his time, Weir also constructed a dam to hold half a million gallons of water, supplying the bathrooms, kitchen and garden; added an underground tank at the homestead to hold 38,000 gallons, and even installed a septic tank.
As one of the principal pastoral properties in the Yass district, once part of a 60,000-acre sheep station established by John Barber Smith in the late 1860s, Highclere Farm is an iconic landmark, representing the rapid growth and prosperity of the Australian Wool Boom. Beautifully renovated by current custodians Edward Wakatama and Lee Pinder, who also call Highclere Farm home, the preservation of the homestead has been a true labour of love.
Following a significant four year restoration of all interiors, along with the addition of nine new bathrooms and kitchen, Highclere Farm now offers luxury small group accommodation, and is also an exceptional venue for weddings and special events. An important part of Australia’s built heritage, the fascinating restoration of Highclere Farm was featured in April 2025 on Restoration Australia - watch the episode here. You can also listen to Lee chat about the restoration project on ABC Radio.
Accommodation
Sleeps 20 | 10 Bedrooms | 8 Bathrooms
As you make your way up the drive to the homestead surrounded by century-old English elms, Highclere will whisk you away to the romanticism and splendor of the late Victorian era, combined with stylish contemporary elements. During your stay, admire heritage detail in every room, including double-hung six pane sash windows, French doors, timber-lined soaring ceilings, ornate fireplace surrounds and cornicework, English bond brickwork using handmade bricks, diagonally-laid cypress along the upstairs verandahs, and a sweeping staircase with carved balustrade that echoes the nostalgia of Gone with the Wind.
Ideal for groups of family and friends, up to 20 guests (adults, and children 14 years and older) can be accommodated in 10 individually-designed king bedrooms. Three have their own private ensuites, and the Second Floor Tower Suite also features its own private sitting room and air conditioning. A further 5 bathrooms provide full amenities for all guests. Beds are fitted with luxurious pillow tops for comfort, down pillows and duvets, and ceramic heaters in each room for the cooler months.
Highclere’s opulent bathrooms are a contemporary interpretation of Streamline Moderne and Art Deco design, and feature Perrin & Rowe tapware and sinks, bespoke Arabescato Corchia marble showers and splashbacks, plush towels, and complimentary Hermès bath & body products. Enjoy a spa-like experience with a soak in one of the stunning freestanding baths with a glass of wine.
Six reception rooms, including the formal Yellow Drawing Room and First Floor Gallery Sitting Room, provide plenty of space for everyone to relax and find a quiet spot for reading, playing chess, or a board game. The Plasters Sitting Room & Whisky Room also has a Smart TV, so you can watch your favourite films, and each primary reception room has a large Lopi gas fireplace for cosy evenings in.
Holding a background in interior design, Edward has created a unique feel in each room, with a curated collection of contemporary and antique furniture from England, France, Spain, and Italy; alongside plush velvet chairs, exquisite fabrics, original artwork, and vintage curios. Bespoke light fixtures include beautiful wall sconces, and oversized 1930s Holophanes inspired by Parisian streetlights.
Photos by Michele Aboud
A well-equipped, gourmet kitchen with a spacious butler’s pantry has everything you need to cook your favourite meals - including an Ilve oven with gas cooktop, two Miele dishwashers, convection microwave, Liebherr double fridge/freezer, wine fridge, bakeware, and pantry essentials. There’s also a coffee machine and French press plungers, so you can prepare the perfect coffee each morning to enjoy out on the verandah.
Photo credit Michele Aboud
One of the highlights of the homestead is the grand formal Dining Room, with a magnificent table seating 20. An outstanding space for special occasions, or simply wonderful candlelit dinners with loved ones, Lee and Edward are also happy to assist with arranging catering services. Local chefs can also be recommended for an unforgettable dining experience.
Highclere Farm’s surrounds are equally breathtaking. Positioned to overlook Thieves Creek, the upstairs verandahs command picturesque views of the gardens and rolling hills beyond.
Guests enjoy exclusive access to Highclere’s private garden, including a herb garden, and there are several outdoor dining locations around estate, including a terrace with BBQ that’s perfect for casual lunches, or al fresco dining on warm evenings.
Centered on a 96-acre equestrian farm, the homestead’s parkland and adjacent paddocks are teaming with Australian wildlife, including echidnas and wombats. Birdlife is also extraordinary, with native wrens, finches, thrushes, parrots, kookaburras and black swans.
At Highclere Farm, the beauty and peacefulness of country life awaits. Wander the gardens, listen to birdsong, and take gentle walks to breathe in the crisp, fresh air after the rain…this is life’s simplicity at its finest.
Special Offer
Book direct for special rates on Friday, Saturday and public holidays at $2,800 per night, and $2,500 per night during weekdays. Monday through Wednesday, book 2 nights and stay a 3rd night at no extra charge!
“Highclere Farm was a true haven for our weekend away. Our group loved the elegant bedrooms, and we spent afternoons on the verandah overlooking the rolling hills, and soaking in the sheer grandeur of the home. The most memorable part of our stay was gathering in the grand dining room - next time, we’ll arrange the private chef so we don’t have to cook!
Highclere Farm combines luxury, history, and a touch of rural magic, and Lee & Edward were wonderful hosts, with great suggestions for day trips and local restaurants.”
Special Features
Country Views
Cosy Fireplaces
Catering
Full Kitchen
Things To Do
During your stay, you may never want to leave! Enjoy a game of Boule or Croquet on the East lawn, then unwind with drinks at sunset. Explore the gardens and find a peaceful spot to read or write. Walk through the paddocks down to the lakeside elms for a romantic afternoon picnic…and evenings are best spent fireside with a glass of local wine and cheese platter.
Highclere Farm is just 12 minutes from Yass, and an easy hour’s drive from Canberra or Goulburn, making it perfectly positioned to discover the Southern Tablelands region. Yass Valley offers a blend of historical and natural attractions, including Wee Jasper Caves, with its fascinating limestone formations. Visit The National Trust’s Cooma Cottage, the home of famous explorer Hamilton Hume, and learn about Australia’s early pioneering life.
Stop in at nearby wineries for tasting, including Clonakilla and Ballinaclash Vineyard, Wee Jasper Distillery for handcrafted spirits, and book a long lunch at Brindabella Hills, with a menu featuring local, seasonal produce.
If you’re feeling adventurous, the Hovell Track offers scenic walking routes to admire the area’s stunning landscapes. Visit Highclere Farm’s website for further inspiration.
