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Banjo Patterson once declared there was no better horse than those who wore the ‘Crooked R’ brand. He found his muse at Guntawang, near Mudgee in NSW. More than 100 years later there’s no doubt Guntawang Thoroughbred Stud still provides plenty of poetic inspiration today.
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Bessie Rouse seated on her horse (possibly Lara) with husband Edwin Stephen Rouse. Unknown photographer, c1895. Credit: Hamilton Collection.
The historic property is synonymous with the Rouse family. In 1825 the family expanded their farming interests to the 4000 acre Guntawang. With an abundance of good water and pasture, the Rouses produced fine wool and beef cattle. They were also lucky enough to quite literally strike gold on their property.
As the good times grew, so too did Guntawang. A school, post office, church and an inn to host the workers and miners was built on the station. Guntawang became known for its lavish lifestyle, but the family’s lasting legacy is in its reputation for breeding some of the best racing and carriage horses in the colony. From the detail in the tack room to the comfort of the foaling stall, their passion and dedication to horses can still be felt today in the stately stables built in 1876.
- ‘This old black horse I’m riding – if you’ll notice what’s his brand, He wears the Crooked R, you see, none better in the land,’– A Bushman’s Song (1892 Banjo Paterson) – describing the horses of Richard Rouse of Guntawang.
Richard Rouse 1847. Credit: The Hamilton Rouse Hill Trust Collection
The property was passed down through the generations and the family became entrenched in the region. Richard Rouse junior (1843-1906) was a familiar face at agricultural shows across Mudgee, Dubbo and Warren where he won prizes for breeding strong wool with great elasticity. He was revered as a racehorse trainer and bred the champion, Marvel. Rouse’s obituary describes Marvel as ‘the greatest miler Australia has known’.
Rare engraved view of Guntawang in 1874, artist unknown. Antiqueprintmaproom.com
The Rouse family's reign came to an end in 1908 and Guntawang was finally sold - but its horse ties continued. Sir Hugh Denison bought the property where he later brought home the yearling Poseidon after buying him for 500 guineas. Poseidon went on to win more than £20,000 in prize money and still holds an unequalled record.
It has a long and rich history dating back to the very first land grant in 1821 and was the birthplace of poet Henry Lawson's mother.
Prior to the development of the nearby town of Gulgong, Guntawang was once a self-contained community which serviced workers and miners of the surrounding gold fields. A lot of the original buildings remain today.
Taken around 1870, this photo shows the 'new' two storey kitchen wing added to the rear after 1850 and the old gable roofed stables on the far right. Credit: Sydney Living Museums.
Guntawang's grand homestead sits on a hill, overlooking the surrounding paddocks and down towards the Cudgegong River. It has recently undergone refurbishments retaining its distinctive Italianate characteristics and features, including impressive marble fireplaces, high 15ft ceilings, wide verandahs with cast-iron pillars and floor to ceiling sash windows. An inground pool, tennis court and pavilion surround the house. Nearby is the colonial brick stables and coach house.
On the 451.5 hectares you’ll also find a 2,000 metre grass and sand racetrack, stabling, numerous yards with shelters and water troughs, staff and guest accommodation, machinery, workshop, hay sheds, garaging, vet service complex and covered round yards, horse walker and training facilities.
Today Guntawang is home to many up and coming thoroughbreds, rearing them on its rich, fertile paddocks. The magnificent homestead that’s seen many families and generations in its time still stands proudly. And a testament to the property’s foundation? You’ll find it in the stables and hoofprints that have paved the way for 130 years.
Guntawang Thoroughbred Station today. Credit: guntawang.com.au
Now, one of Australia's most notable and historic rural properties, is on the market with Cullen Royale via expression of interest closing Thursday 9 June at 4pm.
Guntawang consists of prime alluvial soils, rich basalt and limestone hills with approximately 360 acres of river flat paddocks set up and suitable for irrigation. The property currently produces high quality Lucerne hay, which is stored on-farm and has a mixture of improved and native pastures.
