As you pass through the white picket gates and travel the long, tree-lined drive, one of the Western District's grand two-storey mansions comes into view, set on the crest of a hill overlooking manicured gardens and rolling countryside. This is Arrandoovong, the epitome of the grand country house, beautifully presented and in exceptional structural condition.
First established as a pastoral run in 1844, with the magnificent bluestone homestead built in 1853, Arrandoovong is one of the earliest and most intact homestead complexes in the Western District. It is a region renowned for Australia's largest collection of historic rural mansions.
A sweeping circular drive with a feature fountain leads to the homestead, where terraced hedging and bluestone walling frame the symmetrical bluestone facade, Welsh slate roof and exquisite two-storey verandah with cast iron lacework.
Inside, an impressive entry hall leads to the formal dining and living rooms, each with marble fireplaces, ornate cornices and crystal chandeliers, along with a generous office with its own fireplace. At the rear, the bespoke main kitchen features a large island bench, stone benchtops and subway tiling, and flows into a spacious family room warmed by a marble fireplace. A fully equipped butler's kitchen with commercial-grade stainless steel benches and a professional cooker sits alongside, complemented by a pantry, laundry, sitting room and TV room.
Upstairs, five generous bedrooms, most opening onto the expansive upper verandah, are served by two superb bathrooms and a separate powder room. Throughout the home you will find seven marble and timber fireplaces, 3.7m ceilings, decorative cornices and ceiling roses, beautiful joinery and large sash windows framing the garden and a cellar sits below.
Attached to the main home is a fully restored c.1900 weatherboard guest house. It is completely self-contained, with a bedroom, study or second bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and living area, and is heated by split systems and a wood heater. It is ideal for guests, extended family or accommodation.
The property spans approximately 21 acres (approx.), with frontage to the spring-fed Arrandoovong Creek and fully fenced paddocks. The established cottage garden feature plantings dating back to the 1850s, including English Elms and Oaks, a Bunya Bunya, Blue Cedar and what is believed to be the largest Algerian Oak in the southern hemisphere.
Outbuildings include historic weatherboard stables and coach house, a barn, a meat house, a carriage shed and workshop, a double garage and a large machinery and hay shed. The home is serviced by tank water and mains power, with electric and wood heating.
For the visionary amongst you and with the property offering two kitchens, grand formal rooms, a guest house and sweeping gardens, Arrandoovong is made for entertaining on any scale and presents an incredible opportunity as a wedding and events venue (subject to the relevant approvals).
Set in the heart of the Western District, Arrandoovong is surrounded by the region's galleries, wineries, cafés and the world-renowned Grampians National Park. Arrive at Hamilton in 20 minutues, Narrawong & Portland beaches in 40 minutes and Port Fairy and the beginning of the world famous Great Ocean Road in 1 hour.
Whether as a grand family home, a weekend country retreat or an exclusive venue, Arrandoovong is a rare opportunity to own one of the Western District's truly exceptional country estates.
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