20 Burrows Road, Shadforth, WA 6333

Located in one of Western Australia’s most picturesque tourism areas renowned for its stunning landscapes, clean air, majestic Karri trees and world-class beaches, this spectacular property is situated in the heart of its most popular attractions.  

To mention just a few, it is only 500 metres to the Lakehouse Restaurant and Winery, less than a kilometre to Castelli Winery, plus it is just over a 15-minute drive to the coast and its most popular and sheltered swimming beaches, Greens Pool, and Elephant Rocks.

The property is undulating with some spectacular elevated positions which enjoy unrivalled panoramic views over the surrounding rolling green valleys and out towards Mount Lindsey in the north and through to the Porongurups in the east. With high yielding rich Karri loam soil and abundant water, it is well suited to all manner of pursuits including agriculture, viticulture, aquaculture, or horticulture.   With its current infrastructure, magnificent showcase cottage gardens and stunning ornamental lake, it also offers the astute buyer so many possibilities as it would make the perfect location for holiday accommodation or special events venue (subject to development approval), imagine the backdrop for wedding photos. Also perfect for a fly-in-fly-out proposition, the Denmark airport is only five minutes away and earthworks have already been completed to create a large level area suitable for a helipad which is totally free of trees and power lines. 

Brief History on Big Karri:-
Purchased by the Todd family as a virgin block in 1912 and cleared by hand, the farm was christened ‘Big Karri’. It was named after a giant Karri; easily the largest Karri in the area at the time which was located on the northwestern corner of the block and around five metres in circumference.

In 1930 a ‘groupie’ house was relocated onto Big Karri from a failed Group Settlement Farm. The four-roomed timber cottage with verandas front and back was dismantled and transported over land to be erected on the property and became home for a further four families over the next 85 years.  The farm was utilised as a Dairy farm, for grazing beef cattle and sheep, growing crops including Lucerne and then finally as a Blue Gum Plantation.

Big Karri Today:-
In 2015 Ken and Lorraine Court purchased the property and a dramatic  transformation followed. Now completely rehabilitated as over half the property was covered with Blue Gum regrowth and the massive task of stump removal began.  Then came the eradication of weeds, including the abundant amount of thistle which covered the property, followed by refencing the entire property with quality new fencing and finally a fertilisation programme and the re-establishment of quality pastures.  Today the property is still used for grazing Saxon Merino sheep.

The Unique Australian Cottage Garden:-
Originally established by its earlier inhabitants, the huge Jacarandas, Willow, Hydrangeas and Camellias, believed to be over sixty years old, still provide focal points in the modern cottage gardens today which are under the umbrella of these mature trees.   One of Lorraine’s passions is creating magnificent gardens, and this breathtaking garden, home to an abundance of beautiful birdlife is no exception.  Lorraine has worked tirelessly alongside local landscape gardener Michael Connors to create around four acres of breathtaking gardens with interesting pathways, feature lighting, flowering arbours, and attractive creeks which wind through the gardens down past the gazebo and into the lake. The garden has only been established six or seven years now, but it is believed that once it has matured, it will likely become one of the great Australian gardens. 

The Ornamental Lake:-
This magical feature was created from the original gravel pit on the property and lined with kaolin clay, hence its beautiful turquoise colour.  With its own private jetty, it now offers the opportunity for recreational fishing being well stocked with marron and silver perch.  It holds a massive 50,000 cubic metres (50,000 tonnes) of water so is also a significant resource for firefighting.

The Cottage:-
North facing and in an elevated position overlooking the lake, the home enjoys a truly spectacular vista which is everchanging throughout the seasons.  As it was such a significant piece of history, it was decided to renovate and extend the original four room cottage and transform it into a comfortable homestead with modern conveniences, whilst maintaining its inherent charm.  Adding to its nostalgic feel are the continuation of the high ceilings, timber floorboards and feature lead lights throughout the home’s extensions.  Wide shady wrap around verandahs also add to its charm and character. 

More detailed features include:-
Welcoming entry foyer off the front verandah with solid timber flooring which flows through to the open plan dining and living areas.
Open modern kitchen with stone benchtops, ample cupboards/drawers, large plumbed fridge/freezer recess, double sink and quality appliances including a raised Miele dishwasher and a Belling cast iron stove with 7 burner hotplate and three ovens.
Large family room with a cosy slow combustion wood heater and built-in bar including wine rack, storage cupboards and wine fridge.
Spacious master bedroom suite with a stunning garden view.
Adjoining dressing room and bathroom with double vanities, walk-in screenless rain shower and separate toilet.
Three more large double bedrooms, each with views through the gardens and over the lake.
Additional bathroom with shower, vanity and wc.
Combination bathroom/laundry with ample cupboards/bench space, shower and extra-large bath.
Powder room.
Under cover spa bath with garden views.

Additional Infrastructure:-
Comfortable Managers residence or guest quarters with a spectacular view and its own workshop with additional ablutions.
Large hay shed.
Transportable cattle and sheep yards with loading ramps.
Two-stand shearing shed.
Rain water tanks totalling 350,000 litres in capacity.
Deep bore with quality water.
Off grid power with solar system and backup generator.
Ten well fenced paddocks for livestock.
Currently, a caretaker lives on the property who is a carpenter by trade and is responsible for maintaining the property infrastructure – water, fencing, cattle, and sheep facilities.

If you are looking for prime real estate in a breathtaking location, this spectacular property is a viewing must. It is safe to say, you will be captivated by ‘Big Karri’.

Call Kim Koch on 0407 777 923 for your private inspection to view.

Please email Kim to receive a copy of the E-Book 'Big Karri Landscape and People', a publication on the history of Denmark and this property


INFORMATION DISCLAIMER: This document has been prepared for advertising and marketing purposes only. It is believed to be reliable and accurate, but clients must make their own independent enquiries and must rely on their own personal judgement about the information included in this document.