PHOTO: 52 Shepherd Street, Bowral, NSW 2576
Australia’s most celebrated sports figure, Sir Donald Bradman, revered for his unparalleled cricket performances, continues to be a national icon, with much of his life and achievements held in high esteem. Among the cherished relics of his legacy is his childhood abode, nestled in Bowral, New South Wales, meticulously restored and now available for purchase at $3 million.
Located at 52 Shepherd Street, Bowral, this historic residence served as the backdrop to Bradman’s formative years, from the tender age of three to fifteen. Similar to the nearby Bradman museum, this home holds a special place in the hearts of cricket aficionados, offering a glimpse into the life of the legendary batsman.
Sir Don Bradman, Australia’s greatest ever sportstar. (Photo by Fox Photos/Getty Images)
Seventeen years ago, cricket enthusiast Andrew Leeming and his wife Erica embarked on a restoration journey, recognizing the historical significance of the property. Their vision was not merely to renovate a house but to contribute to cricket’s legacy and create a cherished living space.
Central to the home’s allure is the famed water tank, where Bradman famously honed his skills, laying the foundation for his extraordinary career. The property, steeped in history and cricketing legend, is expected to fetch around $3 million, a fitting tribute to its illustrious former resident.
Bradman lived in the home from ages three to 15.
It has been painstakingly restored.
And is expected to sell for around $3m
Constructed in 1890, 52 Shepherd Street transcends mere architectural significance; it embodies a cultural heritage deeply intertwined with the sport of cricket. Visitors from around the globe pilgrimage to Bowral to pay homage to Bradman’s early years and witness the origins of his cricketing prowess.
In 2008, coinciding with the centenary of Sir Donald’s birth, the current owners commissioned a meticulous three-year restoration project, led by renowned heritage architects Clive Lucas Stapleton and Partners. The restoration aimed not only to revive the home’s late 19th-century grandeur but also to seamlessly integrate modern comforts, ensuring a blend of old-world charm and contemporary luxury.
The famous watertank.
Bradman recreating his stick and golf ball routine.
Where a legend was made.
The meticulously landscaped garden, lovingly restored to its period-perfect splendor by heritage specialist Charlotte Webb, further enhances the property’s appeal. Adorned with eleven Bradman rose bushes and equipped with modern amenities such as automatic irrigation and sensor lighting, the garden provides a tranquil retreat reminiscent of a bygone era.
The residence itself boasts four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and retains its original 12-foot ceilings and fireplaces, now converted to gas heating. A thoughtful conversion of the original stables adds a self-contained two-room study/rumpus/apartment with a third bathroom and kitchenette, enriching the property’s versatility.
The home boasts four bedrooms.
Bradman in action.
Don Bradman walking on to the TCA Ground in Hobart in March 1948. Picture: The Mercury
Represented by Samuel Lindsay and Lisa-Marie Cauchois from Drew Lindsay Sotheby’s International Realty – Bowral, this historic gem offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of Australian sporting history. Amidst Bowral’s median house price of $1.6 million, the legacy of ‘The Don’ lives on, immortalized in the walls of 52 Shepherd Street.
SOURCE: NEWS.COM.AU