The McGraths and McDonald visited Bundanon largely at weekends bringing family and friends. McDonald was responsible for inviting Arthur and Yvonne Boyd to stay on the property for the first time. Their network of creative contacts were regular visitors who enjoyed generous hospitality.
The McGraths and McDonald had a vision for Bundanon to become an artistic retreat but were not successful in interesting the State Government in acquiring the property, eventually selling it to the Boyds in 1979 for $300,000.
In 1979 when Arthur and Yvonne Boyd purchased Bundanon they added it to their existing landholdings on the Shoalhaven River at Riversdale (acquired in 1973).
They sent a shipping container of rugs and furniture from England and moved their Shoalhaven base from Riversdale to the Homestead. As a priority Boyd built a studio west of the homestead adjacent to the sculpture garden.
For the next four years the Bundanon property was managed by David Blackall, then from 1983-93 property management was taken over by Rod and Debbie Walker until it was bequeathed to the Australian people. The property continues to be managed by the Bundanon Trust, on behalf of the Commonwealth Government for the people of Australia.
