One of Australia's most infamous properties, the Monte Cristo Homestead, has been listed for sale for the first time in more than six decades. The Victorian-era mansion in Junee, northwest New South Wales, carries the chilling reputation of being the country's most haunted residence.
A Legacy of Ghosts and Tragedy
The homestead reportedly hosts at least ten permanent ghostly residents, including original owner Christopher Crawley and his wife Elizabeth. Local legends speak of tragic figures haunting the expansive grounds, including two maids Crawley allegedly impregnated and one of their sons who was supposedly kept chained in the coach room after suffering a childhood head injury.
Visitors to the property have reported numerous paranormal experiences over the years. Children often feel unsettled near the main staircase, where Crawley's ten-month-old granddaughter died in 1917 after being dropped by a nursemaid. Guests have described feeling sudden chills, unexplained touches, hearing disembodied voices, and witnessing ghostly apparitions throughout the property.
Historical Significance and Restoration
Built in 1885 by local farmer Christopher Crawley, the mansion represented his newfound wealth following construction of the Junee Hotel to service the town's new railway station. After Crawley's death in 1910, his family continued living in the homestead until 1948 when they left it with caretakers.
The property fell into disrepair over the following years, suffering damage from vandals, thieves and natural deterioration. This changed in 1963 when Reginald and Olive Ryan purchased the home, committing themselves to restoring it to its original grandeur - a labour of love they continued throughout their lives.
New Chapter for Historic Property
The homestead had become a popular destination for ghost hunters and tourists until November last year, when tours ceased following Olive Ryan's death at age 93. Selling agent Jason Barrett from Ray White Junee acknowledges the property's haunted reputation but emphasises its historical value.
"Where the site was chosen for it would have been the premium site in Junee at the time," Barrett told 7News.com.au. "They're high on the hill overlooking the valley, overlooking the town. It is certainly deserving of that position."
Barrett noted that despite the numerous ghost stories, neither he nor his team experienced anything paranormal during their work at the property. "There was no glitches in our cameraman's equipment or anything like that," he said.
The successful buyer will acquire not only the main manor but also the ballroom, pool, stables and an extensive collection of antiques accumulated by the Ryans during their decades of restoration work. The Ryan family expressed sadness about selling the property but hopes to find someone who can continue their legacy of preservation.
