On the rise
“IT’S BEEN A TREND over the past few years – new people are moving to the region, which is putting it on the map,” says the owner of Braymont Gardens, Chris Brayne. “Attitudes are changing because the demographics are changing.
Established in August 2013 at Maragle (near Tumbarumba), Braymont Gardens is home to a unique tree church, formed almost entirely from living trees. It’s one of only four in the world. The 2.4ha property was originally a bare stock paddock until Chris, blessed with seemingly unlimited energy, drive and enthusiasm, transformed it into a vibrant open garden. One hundred Manchurian pear trees line its driveway, and, at an elevation of 850m, the views are magnificent: Round Mountain, Mt Jagungal and Mt Black Jack are prominent alpine features on the horizon.
“The lifestyle is attracting younger generations and people are retiring here,” Chris says. “The change is going to open a lot of doors. More visitors are looking to travel here because they are finding out about the region and how beautiful it is. We now get busloads of sightseers from all over Australia.”
A wind of change is sweeping across the Snowy Valleys region of New South Wales, a transformation that is no longer a secret. Swapping the big smoke for clean alpine air is a dream for many and the pandemic has provided an opportunity for Australians to refocus on where they want to live. The ability to work from home has prompted many people to consider the move to regional areas, although the Snowy
