The Western District is the place to look if you seek a quality lifestyle, and particularly so if your wish list includes a conveniently located and substantial home of distinction.
From the 1850’s onward there was great wealth to be found here with large pastoral holdings forming the engine room of the Australian Wool Industry.
The climate was temperate and the vast grasslands and excellent soils provided opportunity for new settlers; those seeking their fortune, and those looking to consolidate it.
Those who prospered built solid and substantial properties in prime locations and this week’s home is no exception.
Circa 1896 John Habel and his wife Bertha left Lake Linlithgow, establishing themselves on 120 acres of well drained black volcanic soil in the Yulecart District.
Moulded by the strong work ethic of the early German settlers in this area the holding increased to some 3000 acres within a few years and by 1904 the family needed a more substantial home.
The Habel's engaged Lodge Brothers Builders to erect the original bluestone section of the home that is now known as “Viladale House” and in 1917 they had the same company extend the homestead.
Lodge Bros were unable to complete a further extension in 1928 being busy with the construction of the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne.
In 1938 the Habel’s left the property in the care of their son.
In subsequent years it became quite run down, being rented for long periods and poorly maintained and so, in or about 1980 the home and some 250 acres of the original holding was taken up by new owners who set about a sympathetic restoration and extension of the homestead.
As a consequence the home and outbuildings retain their history and their refurbishment caters for the needs of the modern family.
The driveway into the property has two approaches, the one to the left will deliver you to the roundabout at the front door of the homestead.
The roundabout is formed with a stone walled rose garden and it contrasts well with the original symmetrical facade.
The front door is centrally located providing direct access along an attractive hallway to a large and very comfortable north east facing family living room with french doors, delightful views and an abundance of natural light.
White painted french doors and shutters soften the stone facade set back from the cast iron posts and lace of the verandah surrounding the original section of the building.
The verandah is paved where most often they are done with timber and this is a practical and attractive alternative.
The entry hall passes by two front rooms of good size, both having original fireplaces in place. The use of these rooms presently is one as a bedroom and the other as a small office and sitting room.
Further along is a larger bedroom with extensive built in wardrobes and tiled en suite bathroom comprising walk in shower, toilet and vanity.
Opposite is a further room, presently used as an office, which could make a superb library or more formal sitting room.
These four rooms could always be used as bedrooms, depending on any new owners requirements as the family bathroom is nearby at the doorway to the aforementioned family room.
The family room is particularly attractive having a natural stone feature wall and the wall of windows and doors opening to the sun drenched outdoor living area set under a pergola adorned with a Virginia creeper.
Winter comfort is provided by a large centrally located wood burning heater but there are also split systems in the regular living spaces.
Adjacent to the family living is a delightful large formal dining room and a wonderful farmhouse style kitchen having its own small woodheater and split system.
It leads to the biggest and best of pantries on both sides of a short passageway into the well fitted laundry with external access.
At the rear of the home there is a further large bedroom with an east facing boxed window overlooking the garden and the superb rolling red gum country to the north and east.
This bedroom is serviced by an en suite bathroom located two way to the rear entry to the home proper.
Also in this section is a large double garage under the roofline which, because of other shedding on the property, can be used for a myriad of alternative purposes including a games room, workshop or as originally intended, a garage for the family car with convenient and covered access to the home.
The extensive garden has an in ground watering system, large easy care lawn areas, a smattering of English trees and a heated in ground swimming pool.
There is ample fresh water for the property and there is a submersible bore providing stock water to the 16 paddocks .
There is additional shedding and stock yards providing all that is necessary to continue with this property as a boutique woolgrowing and fat lamb operation.
This property is ideally located in our beautiful red gum heartland just a few minutes drive to the centre of Hamilton.
It would ideally suit the family looking for an attractive comfortable lifestyle holding in close proximity to excellent schooling and sporting facilities or, to some one looking to downsize from a larger property to farming on a smaller scale.
120 McKellars Road, Yulecart.
Expressions of interest for this property close on 23rd June.
Contact Leeson White of Charles Stewart Real Estate, Gray Street, Hamilton on 0448 226579.
