5 Glover Drive

Yass NSW 2582

O'Brien was a remarkable man, and after arriving in the colony in 1815 quickly established a predominant economic and political position for himself. Well known as the benefactor of many local causes he also personally participated in the apprehension of bushrangers, served as a Magistrate, imported Negretti rams from France to improve national flock bloodlines and built the first tallow boiling down plant in Australia.
The home is an expression of his non-compromising attitude. His position would have provided him with good access to convict labour. Convicts made the bricks, cut the timbers, drove the nails and laid the solid foundation stones. Convicts also excavated the cellars and dug the reputed escape passage that led to the river in the event of an Aboriginal attack on the homestead.
Majestically set on a pre-eminent 23 acre elbow of the Yass River 'Douro' still projects all the elegance of the period, and enjoys a 360degree panorama over the surrounding countryside, substantial shearing sheds, silos and assorted rural outbuildings.
The home's formal entrance permits visitors to be ushered towards the Dining Room or Ball Room. The Dining Room's ornate pressed metal ceiling is spellbinding. Carried on windjammers from Britain the sections were superbly placed to span the enormous room and create awe in whoever sees it. Rich cedar doors and paneling, baltic pine floors and a commanding convict brick fireplace leave you impressed with the contemplative message of success it was intended to deliver.
The Ball Room still hums with the sound of brushing hoop dresses and quartet music. The rich ancient timber floors are still pocked from long-gone heels, and the more subdued pressed metal ceiling capably reflects the light wafting through the colonial windows.
The home's upper level consists of four enormous bedrooms, a sitting room (that was the original breakfast room), bathroom, ensuite and linen room. The sitting room has a wonderful crackling open fireplace making it a great spot to curl up with your favourite read and steaming 'cuppa'.
The 23 acre block has a magical touch to it too. From the rich Yass River alluvial soils up to the decomposed granite mix around the homestead the property has self-sustainability potential. The irrigation license ensures a constant supply of water and the property's outbuilding infrastructure provides ample opportunities to house livestock, store harvested feed and pack property produce. One notable point about the original dairy is that there is a recently granted council approval to
develop in into a 3 bedroom home. This would make Douro and ideal proposition for an extended family or regular entertainer.
'Douro' is located 4 minutes from Yass township, 40 minutes from Canberra.
'Douro' is an eloquent expression of a human imagination; imagine it as yours!
Property Technical Specifications
*Homestead: 420m2/45sq of residence (approx) not including cellars or formal guest portico, formal dining room, ball room, lower level guests powder room, large modern kitchen/meals/family room, 4 oversized bedrooms, ensuite, upper level bathroom, laundry, upper level sitting room, 3 operating fireplaces
*Block: 9.34 ha/23 acres with deep and broad Yass River frontage
*Topography: river flat level ground rising to elevated level homestead site
*Potable water supply: Yass town water, 10,000 gall rainwater tanks
*Non-potable water: Irrigation license to pump from Yass River
*Property infrastructure: 6 stand shearing shed and holding yards, 3 silos, large farm machinery shed, original c.60's brick dairy (with development approval for 3 bedroom home), paddock utility shed/feed storage
*Location: 4 minutes to Yass town, 40min to Canberra