Lee lets readers step inside city treasures

The book is a compilation of her National Trust columns which have featured in the newspaper over the past 10 years. 

She said she had always thought that when she reached 100 columns she might put them together into a book.

“It is particularly relevant that such a book would be released during the city’s bicentenary as a lasting record of these lovely places,” Ms Steele said.

The book was self-published, with grants from Bathurst Regional Council and the National Trust. 

Now she has seen the finished product, she thinks she would like to start on the next 100. The author already has 40 houses up her sleeve. 

“I have loved doing it, and when I stopped I really missed it,” she said.

“If anyone has a house, or knows of a suitable property with a history, please email me at lee@broombee.com. I would love to hear from people.”

Ms Steele’s passion for history really grew when she began doing a local history course through Oxford University. 

When she and her husband Richard moved to Bathurst 25 years ago she joined the National Trust. 

Ms Steele said it was heritage advocate Margaret Glen who got her involved with the National Trust and she has loved every minute of it.

Ms Steele was named as one of Bathurst’s Living Legends this year for her heritage work. 

The Steeles have travelled a lot and spent a great deal of time visiting National Trust houses in the UK.

“I feel the story of these amazing local properties has to be recorded so their history is not lost,” Ms Steele said.

“Who built them, who lived in them – each one has its own story.

“I particularly like the social stories – not just the story of the buildings, but what has happened inside them.”

Ms Steele said she has done a lot of work with the Bathurst District Historical Society while writing her columns, and said she is amazed by how helpful people have been.

Her husband Richard has also been a great help in deciphering old title deeds and working out the early ownership of properties and subdivisions. 

Ms Steele said she was encouraged to write the book by Western Advocate editor Murray Nicholls. 

She said her favourite chapter in 100 Heritage Homes Of Bathurst And District is the one on adaptive re-use – for instance, churches and schools that have been turned into homes.

“People want more from their history these days than dry facts – they want all the colour and social history,” Ms Steele said.

Ms Steele was born in Sydney, trained in conveyancing and worked in a law firm. She worked alongside her husband Richard until they sold their legal practice a few years ago.

She said her experience in conveyancing has been very helpful when it comes to doing historical research – particularly reading old deeds.

The Steeles moved from Bowral to Bathurst in 1989.

They have three children – Rebecca, who lives in Nepal; Simon, who is in Adelaide; and Hunter, who lives in Sydney – and eight grandchildren. 

Ms Steele believes Bathurst is something of a hidden treasure. 

“I really love the buildings. I am continually awed as I drive around looking at the houses.”

Ms Steele said the book has five forewords by members of the community, all with a passion for heritage.

It is divided up into seven chapters.

“Town houses in Bathurst” features houses large and small ranging from Blair Athol to a small cottage at 110 Hope Street.

“Country homes” includes Littlebourne at Kelso, Mildura House at Georges Plains and Rock Forest Station at Rock Forest.

“Homes in villages” takes in the surrounding villages of Rockley, Yetholme and Trunkey Creek. 

“Adaptive reuse” includes schools at Yetholme, Georges Plains and O’Connell. There is even a bus that has been converted to a home. 

“Commercial” features buildings built as residential homes but which are now used for commercial purposes, such as Bishop’s Court and the Chifley Home. 

“Hidden treasures” showcases homes that have struggled to survive but are now being restored, such as Mountain View at Wiseman’s Creek.

There is also a bonus extras section which includes environmentally friendly houses such as a straw bale house and an underground house.

The book is available from Books Plus and from the Bathurst District Historical Society museum in the courthouse building.