Glenrock Homestead Historic Bush Retreat

Christine McKanna-Farr purchased Glenrock Estate following the sale of her olive grove in Wollombi, in the heart of the Hunter Valley. Having lived and worked as an expat across Southeast Asia and the Middle East, Christine immediately recognised the rare potential of a weathered timber cottage, framed by a historic 1900s carriage shed and former maid’s cottage (now removed). Despite its condition, Glenrock captivated her. The setting — a tranquil creek, rolling valley and uninterrupted national park views all set on 100 acres — was alive with wildlife and a deep connection to the surrounding bushland. The cottage itself stands proudly in her commanding position over the valley with quiet magnificence. The charm was irreplaceable and demanded restoration, not removal. The intimate scale, soaring ceilings, and seamless indoor–outdoor connection sparked a long-term vision of Glenrock as a writer’s retreat — a place of reflection, creativity, and calm. Set on timber piers and constructed from hand-cut solid hardwood, the dwelling still bears the marks of its 1907 origins — timber shaped, carried, and assembled by hand. As restoration commenced, it became clear the bones of the building were exceptional: perfectly aligned, not a millimetre out of level. Essential upgrades were undertaken, including a new roof and bullnose verandah roof, roof plumbing, water tanks, and an environmentally sustainable septic system, replacing an outdated compost setup. The surrounding landscape was thoughtfully opened up. Old fences, chicken pens and a disused vineyard were removed to restore long views across the property and valley. A century-old bougainvillea and a 1970s rock wall were removed to allow the house to breathe, while new structural retaining walls were added to enhance both form and function. As Christine describes it, the renovation created “more oxygen around the house.” The property is rich with established plantings: old fruit trees, pomegranate trees near the dams and creek, jacarandas glowing lilac in spring, and jasmine winding through the old colonial-built machinery shed. Pears, apples, oranges and lemons — remnants of the property’s citrus days — remain carefully preserved. The vision for Glenrock was always clear: complete the hard work, restore the integrity of the original dwelling, and prepare the property for its next chapter. The home is now fully ducted with air conditioning, retaining its charm and resilience while offering modern comfort. Glenrock Estate now stands ready for people to enjoy .Whether envisioned as an agricultural or horticultural venture, a bush retreat, or the foundation for an architecturally designed extension, Glenrock offers a rare opportunity to enjoy tranquillity, history, and possibility in one extraordinary setting.