The historic “Shamrock and Thistle” property in Bowning, NSW has been Renata Ryan’s life for the past twenty years. Ms Ryan and her husband Tony purchased the property near Yass at the turn of the century. The historic homestead dates back to the 1840’s and was originally built as a Cobb and Co Station Inn. If only the walls could talk. It lived through the bush ranger years when the likes of Ben Hall and Johnny Gilbert controlled the surrounding roads after gold was struck in Young in the late 19th century.
The Ryan’s restored the homestead and built the cafe in 2007. Mr Ryan lived to see the cafe open in 2008 but unfortunately he died of cancer four years later. Ms Ryan has kept the business running since then but is ready for a change. “It’s time for me to retire,” she said. “I have made lifelong memories here. My late husband and I enjoyed renovating the homestead back to its original state and building the successful cafe. The house has original fixtures including roof shingles under the tin and convict bricks.”
Ms Ryan said it will be hard to leave but is leaving it in the best state for its new owners. “The Rollonin Cafe offers a unique and authentic country experience for everybody. Visitors travel back in time with the interior walls lined with newspapers dated back from the early 1900’s and a beautiful cottage garden surrounding the cafe,” she added. “It’s the perfect place for tourists to stop between Sydney and Melbourne “We’ve also helped create so many memories for our wonderful customers over the years, hosting happy events, including weddings and different functions at the cafe. Many of our customers and guests I now call friends.”
Listing agent George Southwell from Ray White Rural Canberra/Yass said the property has an amazing array of opportunities not to be missed. “The Rollonin Cafe already has a proven track record as a successful pit stop for tourists and locals.The new owners could even turn the cafe into a bed and breakfast or a winery with the adjoining 8 acres to grow their own vines,” he said. “There’s also opportunities to subdivide as well.”
To be presented at auction, interested parties are invited to contact George Southwell at Ray White Rural Canberra/Yass for further information and to arrange an inspection.