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History of "Sarn"
1916 - Initial sub-division of 112 acres 1922 - Sonning built by Edna Walling 1933 - Sub-division of land adjoining Sonning and the creation of Bickleigh Vale Village 1953 - Sub-division of Sonning creates a separate allotment from the eastern portion surrounding The Cabin (later to become Sarn) 1954 - Property transferred from Edna Walling to Aldyth Grace Russell and extension of Bickleigh Vale Road created 1972 - Property transferred to David John Bilcock and Lynne Bilcock 1977 - Lynne Bilcock is now the proprietor 1978 - Bickleigh Vale Village classified by National Trust Landscape Committee 20th December 1979 - Sub-division of Sarn to create a separate allotment from the eastern portion (to become Abbotsley.) 1981 - Colin Leslie Eden is now the proprietor 1999 - Christopher D A Waller is now the proprietor |
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“Sarn” – a story worth continuing
Source: Jellis Craig Real Estate, 26 May 2026
Hidden deep within the heritage-listed Bickleigh Vale Village, this enchanting acre (approx. 4216m²) reveals itself slowly…a winding drive beneath a canopy of seasonal trees, the hush of a no-through road, and a home that carries nearly a century of story. Known as “Sarn,” and originally “The Cabin,” it was once the studio of renowned landscape designer Edna Walling, designed and hand-built by her in the early 1930s within the original grounds of Sonning. What remains today is something both rare and quietly remarkable.
The original studio still anchors the home, where handcrafted stonework, feature tiles placed by Walling herself, and an open fireplace speak to a time when homes were created with patience and permanence. From here, the layout unfolds with a gentle sense of evolution…an updated kitchen, flexible living and dining spaces (or a second bedroom), and upstairs to a character-rich bedroom. Exposed beams, a peaked ceiling, a study nook and attic-style storage give the upper level a sense of retreat that feels both considered and a little unexpected.
Extensively renovated behind the scenes, the home has been brought into the present with new electricals, plumbing, roof, windows, flooring and more, offering a solid foundation for what comes next. The acre itself remains largely a blank canvas, dotted with hints of Walling’s signature rock walls and seasonal plantings, inviting either a thoughtful landscape revival or a considered extension (STCA).
Birdlife provides a constant soundtrack…rosellas, parrots and currawongs moving through the rambling garden wonderland, reinforcing the sense of being tucked away, yet never isolated. A powered shed, three-phase power, a single carport and never-ending garden space add further flexibility for those with a vision.
The original studio still anchors the home, where handcrafted stonework, feature tiles placed by Walling herself, and an open fireplace speak to a time when homes were created with patience and permanence. From here, the layout unfolds with a gentle sense of evolution…an updated kitchen, flexible living and dining spaces (or a second bedroom), and upstairs to a character-rich bedroom. Exposed beams, a peaked ceiling, a study nook and attic-style storage give the upper level a sense of retreat that feels both considered and a little unexpected.
Extensively renovated behind the scenes, the home has been brought into the present with new electricals, plumbing, roof, windows, flooring and more, offering a solid foundation for what comes next. The acre itself remains largely a blank canvas, dotted with hints of Walling’s signature rock walls and seasonal plantings, inviting either a thoughtful landscape revival or a considered extension (STCA).
Birdlife provides a constant soundtrack…rosellas, parrots and currawongs moving through the rambling garden wonderland, reinforcing the sense of being tucked away, yet never isolated. A powered shed, three-phase power, a single carport and never-ending garden space add further flexibility for those with a vision.
'Sarn', 2016
'The Cabin', 1935
from article "The Building of Sonning 2" by Edna Walling, Australian Home Beautiful 1 Jan 1936
Original caption: "The Cabin which was not damaged by the fire but on the contrary has been improved"
Original caption: "The Cabin which was not damaged by the fire but on the contrary has been improved"
Edna Walling building The Cabin
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