This outstanding Historic 50 square Federation residence, situated within the township fringe of Bunyip- 1km to M1 freeway - 60 minutes to Melbourne CBD. Set on the Bunyip River with unencumbered views to the North, East & South, a magnificent property that encompasses history, beauty and a true sense of seclusion and serenity whilst enjoying the Urban Fringe in Melbourne's eastern growth corridor.
It is time to enjoy with your loved ones!!
THE SPACE
This is a unique property built almost a century ago and heritage listed. Completely isolated, it is palace with huge garden. Our house is located on a high island of the valley with views that stun. The Gumbuya World Theme Park is just a few minutes drive.
Ideal for weddings, birthday parties, retreats or any other function. We have 20 garden tables each having capacity for 10 people, you can set up the tables in the huge garden.
STYLE
Polished Baltic pine floors throughout, Victorian gutter cornicing, rosettes, ornate lighting, 12ft high ceilings, wide hallways, lead light bay windows. A grand entrance and French doors from most rooms to the full wrapped classic wide skirted veranda's that offer views from each room of the home framing the pastures leading to the river. Ducted heating & refrigerated cooling, 28 panel solar system, instantaneous gas hot water. Large roof cavity and under house storage.
WHY IS THE HOUSE UNIQUE?
Everyone who comes to the house adores it. They gasp at the views, revel in the serenity and marvel at the connection to nature. History and elegance surrounded by manicured gardens the features of the property showcase the uniqueness of this rare gem.
In addition to staying at our lovely house, we also provide the following so you can really enjoy your stay:
- A magnificent setting with barbecue
- WIFI
THE KITCHEN
- A walk-in pantry with all of the basic cooking condiments including locally produced olive oil, salt/pepper, spices, herbs, flour, sugar, tea, coffee etc.
- Dishwasher
- Bread-maker, slow-cooker, juicer.
- Microwave
- Double Liebherr fridge
THE BATHROOMS
- Main bathroom
- Ensuite bathroom
THE BEDROOMS
The house has SEVEN large bedrooms each has a queen bed.
All bedrooms look over the garden. The kangaroos come onto the lawn in the morning and you can watch the clouds pass up the valley.
HEATING & COOLING
The house is fully centrally heated, and has air conditioning for the warmer months. There is also a lovely open fireplace to cozy up to in the cooler months.
THE LAUNDRY
Modern laundry with all the amenities.
OUTSIDE THE HOUSE
Apart from very large decks all around the house, there is a terrace with large modern barbecue. We have large outdoor tables on the front and rear decks. The garden is planted with rare and exotic plants and large established trees as well as a substantial orchard.
ACTIVITIES
Wineries, micro-breweries, restaurants, shops and country living are all at your doorstep. There are many wineries within a reasonable drive.
Other sporting activities include:
- Golf at Garfield Golf Club
- Cycling (local bike hire)
- Koolangarra Park. Playgrounds.
- Gumbuya World.
- Mount Cannibal. Biking Trails, Hiking Trails.
- Pakenham Racing Club. Horse Tracks.
- Drouin Golf. Golf Courses.
- Robin Hood Reserve. Nature & Wildlife Areas.
- Peppermint Ridge Farm. Farms.
- Ryders Horse Riding Tours. Nature & Wildlife Tours.
Guest access
The whole house is available for your group.
The main house has five large bedrooms each with a queen bed. The attached unit has two more bedrooms and a gaming area. The third bathroom is in this unit so that the 5-6 people sleeping in this unit have a full bathroom.
Other things to note
" Ballintrae " was commissioned by Major Arthur Haywood A'Beckett in 1898, from a wealthy family he arrived from England Major A'Beckett a captain in the Antrim Artillery, coming to Australia before the war he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, was at the landing of Gallipoli, leaving for war a lieutenant returning a Major in 1919. Ballintrae was a popular retreat for the wealthy Melbourne set and the scene of many garden parties, church fete's and social events reflecting Arthurs social position and interest in Public affairs.
CONTEXTUAL HISTORY OF THE BUNYIP DISTRICT Establishment in the nineteenth century Bunyip is closely associated with the opening of the Gippsland railway in 1877. Prior to that, a township with the name of Buneep had been surveyed in 1857 and was located on the banks of the Bunyip River to the north east. The township on the railway (known initially as "New Bunyip") at first grew slowly, with the railway station also doubling as the post office. By 1887 there were two hotels and a general store. Although timber getting was the main industry, as was the case throughout the area, the town and environs' tourism potential was also being explored, with fishing trips advertised. The area had its attractions for the wealthier classes, many of whose families, including the A Becketts, built substantial houses and gardens as retreats from the city. Major Arthur A'Beckett, a grandson of Victoria's Chief Justice owned parcels of land throughout the township. These included a purchase of 200 acres in 1895 on what became A'Beckett Road, where he built a house, Ballantrae (number 190), in 1898, which still stands.
