Old Brick Pub c. 1874
Sleeps 4 | Bedrooms 2 | Bathrooms 1
In 1860, gold was first discovered in the town of Young, NSW, which saw thousands flock to the region in the hope of striking it rich. Then called Lambing Flat, the 1860s was a wild and volatile period. In 1867, possibly wanting to capitalise on the area’s increasing population, a young man named Charles Johnson, aged 25 purchased land from the Crown and set about building his home - perhaps at a stretch, as he was taken to court for not paying his carpenter’s fees! Nevertheless, by 1874 he was granted his publican’s license - ‘for the house near the bridge over Garibaldi Gully’ - to be called the Burrangong Hotel. Charles ran the hotel for eight years until his death in 1882, when he was just 40 years of age. However, his business continued, changing hands and remaining a popular watering hole until 1922. Charles’ vision was a successful one.
Up until recently, the building had fallen into significant disrepair. Walls had been vandalised and knocked down, windows shattered and doors broken. For Susan and Craig Hardy, the building restoration was a true labour of love, and renaming it the Old Brick Pub symbolised a new phase & lease on life for this charming heritage building. Beautiful original detail still remained - solid exterior walls made from granite and brick, internal early settler bricks with a heart-shaped pattern, and tongue & groove ceilings in the lounge, main bedroom and sunroom. The fireplace and mantel is also original, now with an Australian Coonara Fire installed, for cosying up during the cooler months.
You’ll also find Susan’s creativity and handiwork throughout, with repurposing of original materials and hand-picked vintage & secondhand pieces. All old bricks and timber have been reused or upcycled, and a vintage concrete twin tub was repurposed in the bathroom as a spacious sink. Light shades were handcrafted using old fence wire salvaged from the property, and Susan also handmade the kitchen door handles from recycled copper. Some sections of the internal walls have been purposefully left exposed to show the building’s layers of history. Each room has been minimally furnished, with vintage pieces that do not overwhelm, and allow the old pub’s rustic beauty to take centre stage. The restoration is a wonderful example of sustainable historic preservation, maximising the use of existing materials, minimising waste, and preserving as much character as possible.
Old Brick Pub sleeps up to four guests in two bedrooms, both with comfortable king beds, and one can be split into two singles if needed. All bedding is made from natural fibres including pure linen & Australian cotton sheets, and Australian wool doonas & blankets. Both bedrooms are clutter-free sanctuaries, warmly lit with lanterns and period lighting. For a wonderful start to your day, there’s a handcrafted copper rainfall showerhead with luxurious amenities, and the deep concrete sink features copper pipes & brass tapware. Above is a striking gold gilded mirror, to represent the gold diggings that took place across the road during the Lambing Flat goldrush.
The sunny eat-in kitchen has everything you need for staying in to cook if you wish. The pantry is stocked with locally-made goodies from the Hilltops region, including Wilders Bakery bread, Art of Espresso coffee, Bushranger Tea from Binalong, Ballinaclash Jam, Orchard & Hilltops Honey, and divine cherry-coated chocolates from Poppa's Fudge Factory. You may like to customise your stay with gourmet extras including the Drovers Breakfast, a Graze Away box to share, and delicious local wines.
There’s no TV or WiFi at Old Brick Pub. Instead, allow yourself to step back in time, immerse yourself in the history of your surrounds, and adopt a slower pace of life for a while. Curl up on an antique chair in the lounge room in front of the fire, pop on a record, choose a book or magazine to read, play cards, or simply reconnect with loved ones. In the warmer months, enjoy a BBQ whilst sitting out on the back verandah. The private garden is framed with established trees and recycled corrugated fencing from shearing sheds & old replaced roofs from the town. Leftover original bricks have been used for paths, and even a romantic circle of love near the bush rocks. Wander the garden listening to the Currawongs, watch rabbits scurry about, and relax by the quiet little creek just nearby. Old Brick Pub is a place to stop and unwind, nurture your spirit, and embrace the charm and magic of days gone by.
Special Features
Vintage Decor
Fully Equipped Kitchen
Fireplace
Historic Township
Things To Do
Old Brick Pub is nestled in the heart of Young, surrounded by orchards, vineyards and olive groves - it’s known as the cherry capital of Australia. Going cherry picking when in season is a must! To learn more about the town’s history, visit Young Museum, and the heritage walk takes you past churches, old flour mills, hotels, the old gaol gate, the great court house, and much more. After admiring the town, enjoy coffee or lunch at one of Young’s many cafes and restaurants. Stop in for tastings at local wineries Grove Estate and Ballinaclash, and treat yourself at Poppa's Fudge Factory. Pack a picnic, and discover picturesque Koorawatha Falls in Cowra. Admire the grandeur of the majestic, heritage listed Iandra Castle, and take a day trip to visit small surrounding towns, including Wombat - the Wombat Pub holds the oldest continuing licenced hotel in Australia.
