Suzanne Gearing feels the same way. “Every day I leave this beautiful Australian bushland that’s my property…and I can go from there and in fifteen minutes I can be in England, in this English property,” she says.

It’s no accident though. When Braidwood Wilson originally built the homestead and grounds for his wife Jane, he designed it to remind her of England. The grounds have been designed based around the principles used by famous eighteenth century landscape gardener Capability Brown, with naturalistic landscapes, undulating grounds and picturesque feature bridges.

Small touches, like an aged stone garden wall behind the homestead give the grounds a cosy feel, contrasting with the dry expansive feel of the Australian landscape.

As General Manager for the property Ms Gearing says she has her “dream job,” working with “the most amazing staff.” 

Mona, which is officially opening for business in just two weeks will be a mixed use facility. The woolshed on the grounds has been set up as a conference centre for many years, but like everything else will be redone – though they’re waiting until after the big opening to replace the carpets. 

The farm will offer high end accommodation, event facilities for weddings and corporate events and the occasional pop up restaurant. With the new international airport at Canberra, the business plans to tap into the current Chinese interest in agriculture, and Braidwood’s significant Chinese history, to offer visitors learning experiences about Australian farming techniques.

“We’re trying to keep it a community area as well” says Ms Gearing, who tossed around ideas for the farm as diverse as a concert, an open air cinemas, opera and ballet during our chat.

In the coming year Mona will host a sculpture competition; a blacktie ball, fundraising for Braidwood Central School and be part of the Braidwood Open Gardens.

Local is the name of the game at Mona, with food supplies and staff being procured locally wherever possible. Guests have the option to hire a chef for the duration of their stay, and the farm will host a monthly pop-up restaurant, which will mean local produce such as truffles and garlic should take a centre stage at Mona.

The Mona Grand Opening is on Saturday February 18, 12-4pm, 140 Little River Road. Proceeds will go to the Braidwood Hospital Auxiliary.