Community
12 February, 2025
Heytesbury House hits the market
THE luxurious Heytesbury House located in the heart of Cobden is back on the market, offering a unique investment and business opportunity for all interested in the historic residence.
Like a building trapped in time, Heytesbury House has been standing in Cobden for over 100 years, once serving as a private residence followed by a private hospital.
Now serving as a bed and breakfast with four separate suites, owners Kathryn and Andrew Stubbings have looked after the house for 14 years.
“It’s been the most fabulous 14 years,” Mrs Stubbings said.
“It has a feeling of warmth. It’s a wonderful feeling about it.
“It’s a beautiful spot for weddings, garden tea parties, we do anything that anybody wants here really, because it is such a significance to the local community.
“We’ve met some incredible people, but just feel that it’s time for someone else to put their mark on the property and to experience the fabulous life that we’ve had.
“We’re ready to move into the next stage of our life, we will be staying local - we’re not leaving - we just love this community, and we want to be part of it.”
Mrs Stubbings said the house not only has history in the architecture, but history integrated through time as well.
During their ownership, Mr and Mrs Stubbings have been working to record the history of the property through written memory cards and other means.
“When we came here every person we met started their sentence with ‘I remember’ and Andrew and I felt it was really important that these stories were recorded,” Mrs Stubbings said.
“When we came here there was no history in the house, and we’ve had all of these photos and memorabilia donated back to us, which has been truly amazing.
“Stories from birth to teeth being pulled to significant life changes, it’s just truly amazing.
“We will miss the contact with the people, not only just international travellers and domestic travellers, but the locals who have an emotional connection to the house and the time they’ve spent here and shared with us, their stories, and the ability we’ve had to connect with people and hear their history.”
When discussing what Mrs Stubbings wished for the future of the property, she said she hoped the next caretakers would love it as much as she has.
“We’d love someone who is passionate about the history and recognises the significance it has for the local community,” she said.
“We hope for the new people that they have as much passion and fun and a wonderful lifestyle that we have had.
“We’ve done a lot of restoring the old girl, making her shine a little bit.
“It’s been absolutely wonderful.”
Wilsons Warrnambool and District Real Estate director Lucas Wilson said they have an open mind when looking for potential buyers.
“It doesn’t matter what stage of their life they are, anyone could come from a different area and make it home,” he said.
“It’s a combination of lifestyle for someone and income source together with a beautiful period property.”
Mr Wilson said many people had expressed general interest in the property since it has gone up for sale due to its historical significance and meaning to the Cobden community.
Heytesbury House is on the market for $1,625,000 and boasts proximity to major tourist attractions including the Great Ocean Road and Twelve Apostles.
Read More: Cobden