Don Bradman's private retreat hits the market
A home once owned by renowned cricketer Sir Donald Bradman is on the market following his daughter-in-law’s decision to sell.
The property has been listed with a price guide of $1.95 million.
Bradman first bought the home in Adelaide Hills 62 years ago with his son John, who changed his last name to Bradsen to avoid unwanted attention.
John’s former wife, Judith, has lived there for the past 27 years.
The original certificate of title signed by Sir Donald Bradman. Image: Raine & Horne Strathalbyn
“The press were always interested in Don, so this place provided a space where he could enjoy his family life without being observed,” Ms Bradsen said.
“He could just be himself here because when we dined out people would always approach him. Nobody knew he owned it, nobody. Only very close family friends of Don and then John and mine enjoyed the property.”
Ms Bradsen said her father-in-law would often spend time at the property enjoying the outdoors and doing maintenance work.
“In the early days, he would come up here often,” she said.
“He spent a lot of time clearing the woody weeds and he enjoyed the odd bonfire.
“He had a fire get away from him once in the valley. We would joke about it later, and I’m not sure if the CFS was called or not back in the day.
The property, known as Glenquarry Farm, sits on a whopping 8.893-hectare allotment, and is believed to have been built by a runaway from a British naval expedition in 1836.
A four-bedroom freestanding home sits on the property, as well as outbuildings, a cellar, a studio, and a stable.
The property also features a decommissioned Mt Lofty freestone quarry, extensive gardens, and a stretch of lawn well-suited to a game of cricket.
Natural stone, slatted timber, and open fires are found throughout the home, which also includes a separate wing for guests and an undercover, gabled courtyard.
The home has also seen several renovations over the years, with “The Don” playing his part.
“Every time I paint I think of him telling me what to do because he was a keen painter,” Ms Bradsen said.
“The simplicity of the house really reflects his tastes - the modesty of the cottage, I think he enjoyed.
“He always had his own chair and he would sit on the verandah and watch everyone play, and our children climbed over him and loved him dearly.”
Ms Bradsen has said it was time to move on to a new home after living alone at the property for many years, and hopes a new family can enjoy it.
“I’m downsizing and I’d rather have this place enjoyed by more than just one person,” she said.
Paul Clifford of Raine & Horne Strathalbyn is managing the sale of the home, which has been described as a “unique and historic hideaway” according to the listing.
Images: Getty Images, Raine & Horne Strathalbyn