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With a meandering main street dotted with the occasional historic home and empty paddocks, little Araluen, NSW – population 200 – could be one of rural Australia’s sleepiest towns.But it wasn’t always like this.<img alt="5929-main-rd-araluen-braidwood-nsw-2622-107895-image-0-20240910071819684751-crop-c0-5__0-5-1600x750-70" class="richtext-image full-width" height="375" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/5929-main-rd-araluen-braidwood-nsw-2622-107895.width-800.jpg" width="800">Araluen was once the site of the richest alluvial gold deposits in NSW: a bustling town of around 4,000 — so big it was divided into six distinct ‘suburbs’. In 1870, Araluen was four times the size of neighbouring towns Braidwood and Majors Creek, and home to 20 pubs, 20 butcher shops, general stores, bakers, shoemakers, blacksmiths and other merchants.It was a heady mix of Australian and international families, with many men coming via the California gold fields to work in the Araluen gold mine.<img alt="post office" class="richtext-image full-width" height="230" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/post_office.width-800.jpg" width="350">The Araluen post office, <a href="https://zango.com.au/sale/5929-main-rd-araluen-braidwood-nsw-2622-107895/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">located at 5929 Main Road</a>, was the heart of the Araluen mail service and also a bank. By the late 1800s, hundreds of locals streamed through the building daily, sending news of babies and marriages to relatives across the world and cashing cheques.The post office operated for more than a century until its closure in 1977.Today, the once-bustling mail rooms and post master’s residence is a stunning four-bedroom, two-bathroom historic home, and it’s on the market.<img alt="phone" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/phone.width-800.jpg" width="800">Located 20 minutes from Braidwood and 90 minutes from Canberra, the original 1867 structure has been restored to its former glory with 12-foot ceilings and polished hardwood floors. The home still boasts the wood and etched glass &quot;Post and Telegraph Office&quot; and &quot;Money Order and Govt Saving Bank&quot; doors on the front verandah, together with the mailbox opening into the original “collection bin”.But with an ensuite, in-ground pool and air conditioning, its features read more like those of a modern home.Sales agent Denver Shoemark says the old post office is drawing interest from buyers across NSW, especially Sydney.<img alt="sunroom 2" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/sunroom_2.width-800.jpg" width="800">“A lot of the market down here are Sydney people – and Araluen’s a bit like the Kangaroo Valley of the district,” Denver says.“It&#x27;s a warmer climate than Braidwood, it&#x27;s only 150m above sea level.“There are a lot more people who are semi-retired making the move to the valley because they don&#x27;t need to travel every day, and they want to be surrounded by mountains.“It feels like you’re in Montana down here.”<img alt="5929-main-rd-araluen-braidwood-nsw-2622-107895-image-0-20240910071826634929-crop-c0-5__0-5-1600x750-70" class="richtext-image full-width" height="375" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/5929-main-rd-araluen-braidwood-nsw-2622-107895.width-800_FcFmhDo.jpg" width="800">While the house itself is special, the Araluen lifestyle is even more so.“I call it the Jamie Oliver lifestyle,” Denver says.“Think fresh produce, your own chooks, and living independently.<img alt="bathroom 2" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/bathroom_2.width-800.jpg" width="800">“You&#x27;re on two acres of fully established garden with a veggie patch and big established trees, with uninterrupted views of the mountains front and back.“It’s very special.”The old post office at 5929 Main Road Araluen, Braidwood, is for sale for $989,000 — $1,050,000.<a href="https://zango.com.au/sale/5929-main-rd-araluen-braidwood-nsw-2622-107895/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View the full listing.</a>

'The new Kangaroo Valley’: Former Araluen post office draws curious Sydneysiders

About Regional

Sporting plenty of mid-1800s charm and painted a gorgeous shade of yellow, <a href="https://zango.com.au/sale/63-monkittee-street-braidwood-nsw-2622-108333/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">63 Monkittee Street</a> in Braidwood is described as a ‘storybook’ home for good reason.This three-bed, one-bath cottage is set on a level, north-facing block of almost 1400 square metres on the outskirts of town. Taking full advantage of its quiet surrounds and friendly village-style community, it’s a sunny escape from the complexities of city life.<div>
 <iframe width="200" height="113" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4Sitxia7_xo?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen title="Quintessential Braidwood Cottage with Two Studios"></iframe>
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Blush-coloured pavers lead up to a little timber patio, through the chocolate front door and into a snug lounge. Sales agent <a href="/agents/kelly-allen-2/">Kelly Allen</a> says it doesn’t get much cosier than this.“Everyone who steps through the front door immediately has a smile on their face,” she says.“It’s such a comfortable home that makes great use of historic features such as original hardwood floors and timber panelling.“My favourite thing about the lounge is the little combustion fireplace. It’s so easy to imagine sitting back for a relaxing evening with the fire crackling as your backdrop.”<img alt="63-monkittee-street-braidwood-nsw-2622-108333-image-0-20240918003157748452-thumbnail-1920x1920-70" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/63-monkittee-street-braidwood-nsw-2622-108333-.width-800.jpg" width="800">Past the lounge is the open-plan kitchen and dining area. Filled with light thanks to large windows and double doors that open to the garden beyond, it’s a warm and inviting place to enjoy your meals.The kitchen itself has been updated to reflect typical country style, showcasing a red Rayburn oven bordered by immaculate brickwork.The bathroom has also been updated, featuring a modern shower/bath and floor-to-ceiling tiles in off-white and cream.All three bedrooms remain close to the heart of the home. The master is a good size, with a built-in wardrobe and private door leading out onto the covered back patio.Ducted reverse-cycle air conditioning keeps the entire home comfortable no matter the season.<img alt="63-monkittee-street-braidwood-nsw-2622-108333-image-0-20240918003201381589-thumbnail-1920x1920-70" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/63-monkittee-street-braidwood-nsw-2622-108333-.width-800_Zyux2rg.jpg" width="800">Once outside, visitors will notice two unique studios. Creative types will certainly feel at home here – the first is currently set up as an artist’s retreat, with its own powder room attached to the home’s garage with a gorgeous garden view. The second studio is smaller, designed as a cosy writing space with bright, happy colours.Thanks to its north-facing position, the property hosts beautiful cottage gardens that catch the eye year-round. With a mix of lush lawns, mature trees and entertainment spaces, there’s plenty of room to relax in the sunshine.<img alt="63-monkittee-street-braidwood-nsw-2622-108333-image-0-20240918003200741609-thumbnail-1920x1920-70" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/63-monkittee-street-braidwood-nsw-2622-108333-.width-800_KOQhZLT.jpg" width="800">A 6.7-kilowatt battery-ready solar panel array will help keep energy costs down and allow the new owners to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle.“There’s also a fenced veggie patch and chicken coop and an established orchard with apple, pear, nectarine and cherry trees,” Kelly says.“Number 63 backs onto a larger bush block, which lends itself to extra privacy and a rural feel despite being just a short walk from the town centre.“It’s the quintessential country cottage. It’s absolutely perfect for empty nesters, retirees or a professional couple looking for that semi-rural lifestyle.”63 Monkittee Street, Braidwood is for sale via expression of interest, with a price guide of $860,000 to $900,000.<a href="https://zango.com.au/sale/63-monkittee-street-braidwood-nsw-2622-108333/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View the full listing.</a>Article originally written and published by <a href="https://the-riotact.com/storybook-cottage-redefines-cosy-just-outside-braidwoods-town-centre/812071" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the RiotACT.</a>

Calling all artists! Your country escape awaits

David Chidgey talks about being on the back of a thrashing bull as though it’s a place of calm and quiet.“I call it being in my flow state,” David says.“You’re in your subconscious mind. It’s awesome. There are no other words that can describe it. You just feel like in that state, you can do anything. And without thinking about it.”<img alt="IMG_8702" class="richtext-image full-width" height="860" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/IMG_8702.width-800.jpg" width="800">When he’s in flow, David feels untouchable. He’s one of the nation’s top bull riders – a sport which involves attempting to ride a bucking bull for eight seconds while holding with one hand a braided rope wrapped around the animal&#x27;s chest.Bull riding is usually the main event in a traditional rodeo, with other events including cattle roping, steer wrestling and bareback riding.David, 23, trains daily on his physical strength – “your whole body needs to be strong; you use your legs a lot, but it’s pretty much your whole posterior chain” – but his mental training is just as critical.<img alt="399333FA-8C04-44AC-B019-A21CE9E08F49" class="richtext-image full-width" height="943" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/399333FA-8C04-44AC-B019-A21CE9E08F49.width-800.jpg" width="555">“I invest heavily in my mental training and work with some of the best bull riding coaches in the world,” he says.“At this stage in my career, I&#x27;ve been on enough bulls to know how to ride them.“I just need to stay out of my own way and let my body do what it knows how to do.”Earlier this year, David was chosen for a short scholarship to Texas’s Odessa University. In the same way you can be a football, basketball or golf scholar in the United States, you can also be a bull riding scholar, and compete on behalf of your college at rodeos nationally.Rodeo is a way of life in Texas, and cowboys can – and do – make a living competing in bull riding. Although he’s in Australia at the moment, recovering from injury, David will move back to the United States in early 2025.<img alt="photo-output" class="richtext-image full-width" height="778" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/photo-output.width-800.jpg" width="800">The world’s number one bull rider and rodeo superstar, Josh Frost, has agreed to take David under his wing for further training and to compete alongside Josh.Not bad for a kid who’d never even ridden a horse – let alone a bull – despite growing up on a farm called Doughboy Downs between Bungendore and Braidwood.“I just rode motorbikes,” he laughs.“But I had some friends at school who were bull riding. I&#x27;d seen their first rides and they&#x27;d done pretty good. They made it look pretty easy and I thought I could do better.<img alt="IMG_6746" class="richtext-image full-width" height="500" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/IMG_6746.width-800.jpg" width="347">“I got straight on a steer at a rodeo in Harden. I wasn’t very good, and I wasn’t very good for a long time.“But it was exciting, there was something in me that wanted to be really good at it. It was the challenge of trying to do something that you probably shouldn&#x27;t be able to do.”From then on, David “got on bulls wherever I could, we travelled heaps.” And he started to understand the physical toll of riding an adrenaline-filled beast.<img alt="IMG_8701" class="richtext-image full-width" height="689" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/IMG_8701.width-800.jpg" width="800">His injuries over the seven years since he started riding have included a broken collarbone (twice), which now has a plate and eight screws, a broken wrist, a fractured shoulder requiring five anchors and a torn groin.Are the injuries worth it?“For sure,” Dave says.“I’ve found something that drives me and gives me purpose at a really young age. That’s pretty special.”<a href="https://zango.com.au/sale/search/?listing_type=sale&amp;address_region=Bungendore%20%26%20Braidwood&amp;surrounding=true&amp;order_by=price&amp;property_status_groups=current,underOffer,includePrivate&amp;page=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View properties for sale in the Bungendore and Braidwood region, where David grew up.</a>

Meet the Braidwood cowboy chasing his dreams all the way to Texas

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View important property information for 118 Gillamatong Lane BRAIDWOOD, NSW 2622

118 Gillamatong Lane BRAIDWOOD, NSW 2622 is for Sale on Zango

Suzanne Carter

BRAIDWOOD

Bungendore & Braidwood

ACT & Surrounds

Nestled into the landscape of Mt Gillamatong you can live where the Eagles sore with amazing 180-degree views over the historic township of Braidwood. Watch the sunrise out from behind Mt Budawang in the East and move across to the north/west surrounding countryside, it is the perfect northerly aspect. 

The property is set amongst established manicured park-like gardens of 4.8 ha of land/ 11.83 acres (approx.) with rows of hedging trees lining the driveway. This special home also offers generational living, highly sought after but rarely offered in this rural area.

THE BRICK HOMESTEAD is spacious and light filled with separate entrance and offers 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and large open plan kitchen/dining/living room which opens out to a large entertaining deck and the boasts the most amazing district views. 

THE DUAL LIVING SPACE is located on the ground level and is self-contained with 1 bedroom and/or can double as Air BnB accommodation or teenager's retreat/ rumpus with own bathroom and kitchenette.

More property features include:
- Wrap around verandas 
- Open plan kitchen, dining and living area 
- Separate lounge/sitting area 
- Spacious double garage with internal access and cavity storage area 
- Level 1: 195sqm and ground floor: 136sqm Total area: 331sqm 
- 2 x R/C air-conditioning units 
- Under floor heating on the ground floor
- 2 car garage plus 2 sheds and caravan carport + 20ft shipping container
- Three good size paddocks perfect for horses or a handful of sheep + sheep yards 

This property is truly one of a kind and a must to inspect. 

Phone Suzanne Carter on 0473 888337; Braidwood's boutique agent at Belle Property Braidwood to arrange a private inspection.

Water Tank

Grey Water System

Open Spaces

Garage

Ensuite

Carport

Secure Parking

Fully Fenced

Floorboards

Built-in Robes

Air Conditioning

Beautiful Homestead with Amazing Views plus Dual Living

Belle Property Braidwood

Population in Braidwood is 1651, with a median age of 46. This is well above the Canberra average of 40.5 and well above the national 41.6

Your new suburb is well established

Compared to other areas, couples (27%) and singles (13%) are over represented than national average

Perfect? Families Agree

A majority of 93% live in a house. Households are 2.3 people on average, seems like Braidwood is the place to go for spacious living!

It's spacious too

Braidwood

118 Gillamatong Lane BRAIDWOOD, NSW 2622

https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/__sized__/properties/images/118-gillamatong-lane-braidwood-nsw-2622-118652-118652-image-0-20250314_ktoPHiS-crop-c0-5__0-5-1200x680-70.jpg

Distance	School	Address
1.83 km	St Bede's Primary School	Park Lane, Braidwood 2622
1.86 km	Braidwood Central School	Wilson St, Braidwood 2622

118 Gillamatong Lane BRAIDWOOD, NSW 2622

Beautiful Homestead with Amazing Views plus Dual Living

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