The NSW country estate to rival Elizabeth Bennet's family home

Bowled over by Bridgerton? Delighted by Downtown Abbey? Or still pining for Pride and Prejudice?

If you’ve always dreamed of living in a bygone era where formal introductions were de rigueur and ladies danced with gentlemen at country balls, chances are opportunities have been scarce. The number of well-maintained historic country estates still standing in Australia is low and even fewer come onto the property market. Which makes the sale of 4 Ranelagh Road, Burradoo all the more special.

Set on 4.54ha in the NSW Southern Highlands, Knoyle Estate was designed by London architect Maurice Adams and built in the 1880s as a country retreat for Charles B Fairfax and his wife Florence.

Offering one of the largest landholdings and oldest gardens in the area, the property has four residences, all self contained. The main house has 1155sqm internal space with 14 bedrooms, seven bathrooms and five living spaces. The other three residences are of varying sizes, with one offering eight bedrooms, another five bedrooms and the smallest with four bedrooms.The park-like gardens include rare specimens and century-old trees as well as a seven-level private labyrinth.

While it is indeed perfect for stepping back in time, the property has been put to various uses over the years, including as a boarding school. Agent Andrew Blake from Knight Frank notes that it sits on three titles, with the possibility of subdivision and dual occupancy.

“The property could be used in its current form as a grand home, but there is also the opportunity to repurpose the residence, as well as to develop, subject to council approval and hence for it to instead be a commercial acquisition,” he said.

“Other possible uses include a bed and breakfast or a country hotel with the demand for premium accommodation in the area, a luxury wellness retreat, a wedding or events venue, a cooking school, an art gallery or even as a retail outlet for antique dealers.

“There is also the potential for group homes and seniors’ living.”

A stunning property in the Queen Anne style with Arts and Crafts and Gothic Revival influences, it’s the stuff dreams are made of.

Address: 4 Ranelagh Road, Burradoo

Price guide: $12 million

Agents: Nathan Berlyn Nathan.berlyn@au.knightfrank.com 0449 157 773.

Andrew Blake Andrew.blake@au.knightfrank.com 0434 770 307

Inspection: By appointment

Italian fine wines are gaining momentum among Australian collectors and drinkers, with new data from showing a surge in interest driven by value, versatility and a new generation of producers.

Long dominated by France, the premium wine conversation is beginning to shift, with Italy increasingly positioned as a compelling alternative for both drinking and collecting.

According to Langtons, the category is benefiting from a combination of factors, including its breadth of styles, strong food affinity and more accessible price points compared to traditional European benchmarks.

“Italy has always offered fine wine fans an incredible range of wines with finesse, nuance, expression of terroir, ageability, rarity, and heritage,” said Langtons General Manager Tamara Grischy.

“There’s no doubt the Italian wine category is gaining momentum in 2026… While the French have long dominated the fine wine space in Australia, we’re seeing Italy become a strong contender as the go-to for both drinking and collecting.”

The shift is being reinforced by changing consumer preferences, with Langtons reporting increased demand for indigenous Italian varieties and lighter, food-first styles such as Nerello Mascalese from Etna and modern Chianti Classico.

This aligns with the broader rise of Mediterranean-style dining in Australia, where wines are expected to complement a wider range of dishes rather than dominate them.

Langtons buyer Zach Nelson said the category’s versatility is central to its appeal.

“Italian wines often have a distinct, savoury edge making them an ideal pairing for a variety of cuisines,” he said.

The move towards Italian wines also comes as prices for traditional French regions continue to climb, particularly in Burgundy, prompting collectors to look elsewhere for value without compromising on quality.

Italy’s key regions, including Piedmont and Etna, are increasingly seen as offering that balance, with premium wines available at comparatively accessible price points.

Nelson said value is now a defining factor for buyers in 2026.

“Value is the key driver for Australian fine wine consumers… Italian wines are offering exactly that at an impressive array of price points to suit any budget,” he said.

The category is also proving attractive for newer collectors, offering what Langtons describes as “accessible prestige” and a more open entry point compared to the exclusivity often associated with Bordeaux.

Wines such as Brunello di Montalcino and Nebbiolo-based expressions are increasingly being positioned as entry points into cellar-worthy collections, combining ageability with relative affordability.

At the same time, a new generation of Italian producers is reshaping the category, moving away from heavier, oak-driven styles towards wines that emphasise site expression and vibrancy.

“There’s definitely a ‘new guard’ of Italian winemaking… stripping away the makeup… to let the raw, vibrating energy of the site speak,” Nelson said.

Langtons is also expanding its offering in the category, including exclusive access to wines from family-owned producer Boroli, alongside a broader selection spanning Piedmont, Veneto, Sicily and Tuscany.

The company will showcase the category further at its upcoming Italian Collection Masterclass and Tasting in Sydney, featuring more than 50 wines from 23 producers across four key regions.

For collectors and drinkers alike, the message is clear: Italy may have been overlooked, but it is no longer under the radar.

The NSW country estate to rival Elizabeth Bennet’s family home

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Italian wines are emerging as a serious contender for Australian collectors, offering depth, rarity and value as French benchmarks continue to climb.