8 historic Australian homes to fulfil your period romance fantasies

Who could imagine some of our favourite period dramas without the iconic real estate at their core? What would Pride and Prejudice be without Pemberley? Or Rebecca without Manderley? From Wuthering Heights to Howards End, some fictional estates are so iconic, their literary works are named after them.

We at Home Beautiful could while away the hours looking at historic homes. Even if it weren’t part of our livelihoods, we confess we’d spend a large part of our downtime imagining ourselves roaming the grounds of whatever Georgian mansion comes across our desks.

Lately, a barrage of period romances on our screens have only ignited a greater need to discover the heritage real estate in our own back yards. Imagine our surprise when we learned some of Australia’s oldest homes are currently on the market.

If you’ll allow us to indulge in our favourite past time — and hopefully join us in the fantasy — we’ve gathered a collection of some of Australia’s most beautiful historic homes that you can actually buy. Scroll on to discover some of Australia’s rarest and most valuable real estate, dating back to the 1800s.

The Witches’ Houses of Annandale, NSW

This row of homes in inner Sydney have been dubbed the ‘Witches’ Houses’ due to their rare Gothic Revival architecture style. Built in 1889 by John Young (also behind St Mary’s Cathedral and the University of Sydney), the homes feature the kind of architectural frills, like turrets and spires, one might associate more with Salem than Sydney. One of these houses is currently for sale, showing off a complete restoration. Highroyd, as the home is called, boasts six bedrooms, five bathrooms and miraculous views of the Sydney skyline.

Find out more at Sotheby’s.

Glen Derwent house, Tasmania

This heritage-listed home boasts one of the oldest surviving buildings in Tasmania’s Derwent Valley. Located 40 minutes out of Hobart, the original cottage (now a stable) dates back nearly 220 years to 1808, when it was built by First Fleet-arrival James Cullen. The main residence was built in 1818, and recently operated as a hotel until 2024. In addition to the two-storey farmhouse residence and original sandstone cottage, a conservatory and verandah were added in 1840, and a hop kiln in 1870. The property boasts seven bedrooms, a tennis court, and quaint box-hedged rose gardens with a stone fountain.

See more at Domain.

Brooklyn homestead, Queensland

Built in the 1890s, this Colonial-Victorian homestead combines luxury and farm living. A step back in time, this preserved Queenslander home, known as Brooklyn, retains many of its period features and furnishings, including stained glass windows, timber panelled walls, ornate chandeliers and statement fireplaces. However, the pièce de résistance is surely the iconic wrap-around verandah, where one can take afternoon tea among the overflowing greenery. An Australian classic, this unique home is also only 15 minutes from the beach.

Learn more at Home Stead Prestige.

Hilton House, Victoria

Located in Hawthorn in Melbourne’s East, this one-of-a-kind home dates back to 1873. Designed by the prestigious Melbourne architect, John Beswicke, the castle-like exterior contrasts the cathedral-like interior, complete with soaring ceilings and full floor-to-ceiling windows. In addition to four bedrooms, the home boasts a library, a music room and a storybook balcony overlooking a backyard pool. Chevron flooring, ornate moldings and glamorous gardens are the cherries on top of this stunning home.

Learn more at Jellis Craig.

Cleveland House, Tasmania

This restored Georgian home was initially built in 1834 as a reststop for travellers between Hobart and Launceston, known as the Bald-Faced Stag Inn. Now, the restored interiors look more like Longbourn-meets-Nancy Meyers. Despite its seven bedroom, sprawling lawn and multiple living spaces, the heart of the home is surely the spacious country-style kitchen, with period accents, French doors and a Lacanche 5-burner double oven.

Learn more at Harrison Agents.

Dunara, NSW

This eastern Sydney mansion in the exclusive Point Piper suburb was once home to My Country poet Dorothea Mackellar. Built circa 1882, the Georgian Italianate mansion is the oldest surviving home in the suburb and is heritage listed. If the views over Rose Bay weren’t enough to win you over, historic home-lovers will adore the English Minton tiles, mahogany joinery, wrought-iron lacework and stone fountains adorning the property.

See more at Sotheby’s.