Country air: Five rustic and enchanting grand estates for sale now

Boasting hectares of lush bushland, picturesque views and residences with an array of bygone features, Australia has no shortage of breathtaking rustic estates.

From manors dating back to the late 1800s, to a country estate with a working cattle farm and a Geelong property with a links to Melbourne Cup winners, here are some of the most captivating estates currently for sale.

Steeped in New South Wales early history

For a cool $18 million, the historic Rockfield Park, which was the first settlement on Berry Mountain in the 1860s, is looking for a new custodian.

Located at 801 Kangaroo Valley Road, Bellawongarah, it was the home of artist and business magnate Lee Hamilton, who is said to have been the first woman to secure a position on the Sydney Futures Exchange.

Now the sprawling deceased estate with views from Gerringong to Jervis Bay and Seven Mile Beach, is being sold by her family.

 Sales agent Nick Dale from Belle Property Berry and Kiama said the estate’s sheer size was unique.

“It’s 172 acres, and I’ve got to say probably 90% of that is usable land and is all accessible, and that is unusual because usually they cap out at 100 (acres) and every now and then you get a 200 acre one, but the majority of it is bush,” he said.

Meticulously crafted from sparrow-pecked sandstone, western red cedar, and charcoal stone, is a four bedroom and three bathroom residence, where cathedral windows, timber, fireplaces add to its grandeur.

There is also an additional residence and a smaller home, as well as farming infrastructure that would suit agricultural or livestock ventures.

Home to Dorper sheep, the farm was a meat provider for local eateries and has an on-site butchery.

There is also a detailed botanical gardens map, which Mr Dale said accounts for every single tree.

A slice of Australian racing history up for grabs

This majestic Geelong homestead built in 1873 was used to hide the famous Phar Lap before the 1930 Melbourne Cup to protect an attempt on his life.

Designed by famous Melbourne architect James T. Conlan, the 30 room manor has other important links to Australia’s racing history as a direct lineage to ten Melbourne Cup winners were produced at the homestead.

Set on a sprawling 3.4ha, the main home has six bedrooms, five bathrooms, as well as formal and informal living and dining areas.

There is also a one bedroom self-contained guest house with a kitchen and living area.

Hallmarks of the homestead’s equestrian heyday remain, with a stable complex of 30 stalls, day paddocks and botanical gardens.

6-30 Homestead Drive, St Albans Park, has a price guide of $7 million to $7.5 million.

Hilltop gem

This rural retreat, constructed from timber, stone and brick, is set amongst 2ha of rural woodland in the Melbourne suburb of Eltham.

Sale agent Aaron Yeats from Jellis Craig – Eltham said 17 Yarra Braes Road, Eltham was positioned at the highest point of the street and was originally part of a much larger allotment that was subdivided.

“The house was built in the ’50s and it was originally one of the original homesteads in the street so they kept the best parcel for themselves being on top of the hill, and then sold off the smaller blocks around them,” he said.

Designed by Alistair Knox, highlights of the three bedroom, three bathroom residence include living spaces which open to outdoor terraces, an open fire and a potbelly stove.

Outside there is a vegetable garden, greenhouse, chicken coop, sheds, and a mudbrick studio/workshop.

“It will probably suit someone who’s either got a small family and just wants to live with peace and privacy as it is, or someone who has a grander vision to do a lovely extension or renovation,” Mr Yeats said.

The property has an asking price of $2,350,000 to $2,550,000.

Farm life in picturesque location

It is easy to see why this listing describe this sprawling homestead as “one of the Tweed Valley’s finest country estates”.

Caldera Farm, situated at 65 Limpinwood Valley Road, Limpinwood, comprises of lush bushland, paddocks and natural water sources across 114.15sqm.

As a working cattle farm, it is equipped to run 80 breeders plus replacements, and has 20 paddocks,  machinery, sheds and reticulated water.

The refurbished timber farmhouse offers a mix of original character features teamed with modern comforts.

A wide timber veranda, timber flooring, French doors, an industrial farmhouse style with Smeg appliances, a farmhouse sink and a living room with a wood fireplace are just some of the home’s standout features.

There is also a free-standing office with an ensuite, as well as a custom built barn with a kitchenette, dining and games area, two bedrooms and a bathroom.

The farm also has an established orchard, and a dam fully stocked with Australian Bass and Silver Perch.

The property has a price guide of $6.5 million to $7 million.

Southern Highlands charm

On 4lhas in the New South Wales Southern Highlands is 581 Greenhills Road, Berrima, where a grand five bedroom residence takes centre stage.

The Grange Berrima features a main residence, known as The Lodge, where its grand proportions include a mezzanine level that can house up to eight guests in four suites.

There is also a manager’s quarters or guest accommodation, with a bedroom, shower and laundry room, as well as a veranda, and another three bedroom accommodation option called the Granary.

Other highlights of the estate include one of the largest privately owned dams in the district, extensive gardens, an apple orchard, 18 horse paddocks, a cattle yard and four 25,000 litre water tanks.

The property is on the market for $9 million to $9.9 million.

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