Lynbrook Guest House 1903’s

Lynbrook Guest House, located on Railway Avenue, was built in 1903 by Joseph and Annie Grice on a 37-acre portion of land. Joseph’s father, Walter Grice, had been one of Bundanoon’s early settlers, arriving in 1867 and purchasing 300 acres, which he later divided amongst his children. Joseph and Annie received their share in 1901 and soon established the guest house.

Lynbrook Guest House Early 1900’s

From its opening in 1904 until 1912, the guest house was managed by Annie Grice and her niece, Nellie Grice. By 1906, Lynbrook could accommodate up to 20 people, charging between 4 and 5 shillings a day or 1 pound 5 shillings a week. Guests enjoyed the homely atmosphere and the natural beauty of Bundanoon.

Changing Management (1913-1928)

In 1913, management passed to Mrs. Mary Jane Moore and her daughter Rachel, although the property remained in the hands of Joseph Grice. Later, Nellie Grice and her husband Charles James Ross returned to oversee the guest house between 1919 and 1923. During this time, they also built another guest house, Rosnel, on Erith Street. When Rosnel opened, they left Lynbrook. Annie Grice resumed management until 1928, when Harold Baker, grandson of Walter Grice, took over operations. Harold continued to run Lynbrook until 1945.

Lynbrook Guests on Ponty Trap 1920’s

The 1920s brought lively times for guests. Families and visitors enjoyed outings such as pony trap rides around Bundanoon, which became a memorable feature of their stays. Lynbrook offered recreational facilities, including a 9-hole golf course and tennis courts, and was among the first guest houses in Bundanoon to offer electricity when it arrived in 1929. The property was self-sufficient with its own orchard, vegetable gardens, dairy herd, and poultry, ensuring fresh produce for its guests.

Highball House

During the 1930s, guest houses thrived in Bundanoon, but by the 1960s many had closed as tourism patterns changed. Despite this decline, Lynbrook continued to operate. Eventually, the property was sold to new owners, who transformed it into a boutique holiday rental for large groups. Today, the former Lynbrook Guest House lives on under the name Highball House, preserving a link to its rich history while offering modern comfort and charm. In 1971, Lynbrook was sold to the Youth Hostelling Association of NSW (YHA), marking a new phase in its long history as it continued to welcome guests as a popular hostel. Later, in 2016, the property was purchased by Gastoff PL and remains a thriving holiday accommodation, carrying forward Lynbrook’s legacy of hospitality.

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While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, no warranty is given or implied. Interested parties should conduct their own due diligence and seek independent professional advice before making decisions based on this material.