40 Chrome Road, Branxholme, Vic 3302

As you drive down the long sugargum lined drive, you catch a glimpse of one of the Western District's grand two storey mansions, positioned on the crest of a hill, to capture the manicured garden and surrounding landscape. This is Arrandoovong - the epitome of the grand country house, and one of the Western District's finest - a region renowned for having Australia's largest collection of historic rural mansion estates. Beautifully presented and in exceptional structural condition, the mansion retains all the classical hallmarks of the early Victorian vernacular including symmetry, simplicity, refinement and scale. Arrandoovong is now offered as an outstanding weekend country house or a grand rural family home.

The squatting run "Arrandoovong" dates from 1844, being taken up by Patrick Lynch and comprised of 6400 acres.. In 1853, Aarandoovong's third owner Angus Cameron built the large two storey bluestone homestead. It is not known who was the architect but believed to be James Henry Fox.  Arrandoovong Homestead complex is of historical significance for its direct associations with leading pastoral families over its first hundred years including the Camerons, Skene's, Robertsons, Armstrongs, Austins, Kiddles and Sharp families and indirectly, it was connected with the Henty family, the founders of Victoria. Arrandoovong is of architectural significance as one of the earliest large homestead complexes in the Western District and, with additions and alterations which are significant in their own right, as one of the most intact. Today it continues as a much loved family home.

On arrival there is a wide circular drive with stone walling and a feature fountain. The entry features a magnificent deep, expansive and detailed verandah with cast iron posts and lacework. The main entrance door leads to an impressive entry hallway with fine detailing. Off the hallway are large and gracious well proportioned formal rooms including the dining and sitting rooms and a large informal sittingroom/office.     Further towards the rear, the layout consists of the domestic and service rooms including a large sunroom, laundry and private entertainment room. The kitchen is expansive with bespoke cabinetry, subway tiling, extensive granite work benchtops, modern equipment and extensive storage space. This area includes a separate butler's kitchen, pantry, expansive sitting and dining area. It is the perfect space for large scale family entertaining. 
 
Beyond this wing is a fully restored attached self contained c.1900 weatherboard apartment which contains a bedroom, study/2nd bedroom, designer bathroom and large kitchen, dining and sitting area. The apartment is heated via electric heating, 2 split heating/cooling systems and a wood heater.

The staircase leads to 5 large bedrooms, with French doors onto the verandah, and 2 superb bathrooms and a powder room, all with wonderful views over the garden.

All the rooms have fine internal architectural features expected of a house of this importance and grandeur, including 7 marble and timber fireplaces, high 3.7m ceilings and decorative cornices and rosettes, magnificent joinery, panelled doors, large sash windows, all with views over the garden. These features were all designed to impress visitors and make a lasting statement. Externally, the house is equally impressive with the symmetrical 2 storey front façade of locally quarried bluestone with magnificent white tuckpointing and Welsh slate roof. An external entry leads to the extensive cellarage. The house is serviced by tank water, mains power, electric and, wood heating and functional open fireplaces.

The 8.5ha (21 acre - approx.) property comprises of frontage to the spring fed Arrandoovong Creek, and fully fenced livestock paddocks. The established garden still has plantings from the 1850s including English Elms and Oaks, Bunya Bunya, Stone Pine, Hawthorn, Blue Cedar and the largest Algerian Oak in the southern hemisphere. The homestead is also surrounded by expansive lawns, hedging, flower beds, fruit trees, . Outbuildings include the weatherboard stables/coach house, meat house, carriage shed/workshop, garage, large open fronted machinery/hay shed and garden toilet.

Arrandoovong is located in the Western District region of Victoria - a culturally, historically and environmentally rich region, particularly renowned for its natural beauty. The region is spoilt with numerous tourism drawcards including the Hamilton Art Gallery, wineries, popular eateries and cafes including the Famous Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld, antique stores, walking trails and rock climbing and the world famous Grampians National Park. Melbourne is a scenic 3.5 hour drive and nearby are the townships of Hamilton 20km, Dunkeld 55km, Port Fairy 80km, Warrnambool 100km and Portland 65km.

Whether Arrandoovong, is your next family home, weekend country house or an exclusive accommodation venture – it offers an exciting and remarkable opportunity to own one of the Western District's historically important and truly exceptional grand country houses. 

For a private inspection contact Dominic Romeo.
0438 500 277
[email protected]
www.historicproperty.com.au

DISCLAIMER: All dimensions are approximate only. Particulars given are for general information only and do not constitute any representation on the part of the Vendor or Agent. All prospective buyers must undertake their own due diligence.