Australian Stud

Following a fire in which the original homestead was all but incinerated, a new building was commissioned to act as the centre for the Australian branch of the Irish family’s thoroughbred operation.

Located at the centre of a 20,000 acre farm - the Hunter Valley hills marching into the distance - the new homestead was designed by architect Michael Bell, in line with the country’s Victorian heritage; single-story with high ceilings and wide verandas.

Internally a very English aesthetic was applied, importing most furnishings from the UK. The family’s racing livery (a deep blue) was used throughout acting as a base for the evolving colour schemes.