About Us
Doncaster House is privately owned by Gabriele Borscz, an interior designer who has made Braidwood her home after living in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Gabriele is known for her collection of unique antiques and artifacts and is delighted to share Doncaster House as a haven of rest and relaxation.
Our history
For discerning travellers seeking to delve into Doncaster House's rich history, it stands as a storied landmark in Braidwood's landscape, initially erected as one of the town's premier grand hotels atop its highest elevation. During the turn of the previous century, its presence was emblematic of the region's burgeoning prosperity.
Upon its sale, the property found new purpose under the stewardship of the Good Samaritan Nuns, who transformed it into a convent, day school, and boarding establishment. In the late 1890s, a devastating fire ravaged a portion of the structure, prompting the local Catholic community to undertake its reconstruction, salvaging and repurposing original materials.
Throughout the years, the convent played an integral role in the fabric of Braidwood, providing sanctuary and education to generations of children. Notably, during World War II, it became a safe haven for youngsters evacuated from Sydney amid fears of invasion, with many residing there for extended periods, enduring crowded quarters and makeshift accommodations.
In the 1970s, the convent underwent a transition to private ownership, heralding the revival of its original identity as Doncaster House, once again opening its doors to the public, a testament to its enduring legacy.