Estate with 1860s' house, pool, tennis court and island up for grabs

Herald Sun

20 hours ago

A central Victorian estate described as 'the most beautiful place in the world' is ready for a new owner seeking a country lifestyle.
Named Elmdale after the century-old elm trees that line its driveway, the 51.8ha property at 468-470 Heathcote-Redesdale Rd, Heathcote, is spread across three titles.
The town of Heathcote is about 100km north of Melbourne and 40km from Bendigo.
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The estate is located in Victoria's shiraz winegrowing country, is surrounded by noted wineries and bordered by Wild Duck Creek.
Elmdale's owners of almost three decades, Christine and Bryan Frost, are selling with plans to downsize from their home that features a main house, 1860s-era converted guest cottage and a purpose-built entertainers' pavilion.
Ms Frost said that she and her husband have plenty of treasured memories of Elmdale especially the pavilion which includes a full kitchen with double barbecues and two dishwashers, a pizza oven, butler's kitchen, dual decks and outdoor areas with a wood fire and airconditioning.
'Up on the pavilion there is a deck that faces west and we love to sit there and have a Sundowner as the sun goes down,' Ms Frost said.
'We've had many parties here, our wedding reception here – that is a cherished memory.'
After getting married in Bali, the couple hosted a reception for about 120 guests under a marquee set up on the property's dressage arena.
Other equestrian facilities include stables, paddocks and six sheds, while the outdoor area also boasts an olive grove, large glasshouse, two 200,000L water tanks, a tennis court and five dams.
One dam has an island that can be accessed via a small bridge.
Twenty-eight years ago, Ms Frost and her husband bought the estate from good friends of theirs after falling in love with its many charms.
'As you drive down the driveway, everyone goes, 'Wow, this is gorgeous,' Ms Frost said.
'There are very, very old elm trees near the house and all the way down the driveway.'
The historic stone cottage, now expanded and converted, has two bedrooms, a sitting room, and formal dining room with an open fire place and access to outside.
The farmhouse-style kitchen opens to a cellar and meals area.
Fireplaces throughout provide the couple's two cats, Yogi Bear and Boo Boo, with multiple places to warm themselves.
A newer three-bedroom house near the swimming pool has a large main bedroom with an ensuite and walk-in wardrobe, plus access to the deck.
There's a central living space and the two other bedrooms have ensuites, plus there's gas in-floor heating and reverse cycle airconditioning throughout.
For Mr and Ms Frost, Elmdale started out as a weekender before it became their main home during the Covid lockdowns.
Elmdale is also home to three horses including Ms Frost's thoroughbred Occy, who has won two Victorian Horse of the Year titles and was 2022's National Horse of the Year runner-up.
Ms Frost said it would be hard to farewell the property where they have enjoyed many wonderful times with family, friends and their animals, plus the spectacular natural scenery.
'It's the most beautiful place in the world and we'll be sad to say goodbye,' she added.
AFL legend Kevin Sheedy stars in the home's online campaign video in which he describes Elmdale as a beautiful address that 'showcases nature at its best'.
O'Brien property consultant and auctioneer, John Rombotis, and his colleague Julie Zucha have the listing, which is for sale with a $3m-$3.3m asking range.
Mr Rombotis said the estate would suit a family, horse trainer or owner, or a buyer seeking a country property where they could entertain relatives and friends.
It would also be a great home for someone wanting to set up a resort-style business in the heart of Victoria's famous shiraz country.
And there's cattle-handling facilities for those who'd like to run cattle on the property.
'To actually buy something like that now, with three residences, 128 acres and all the equestrian facilities, it would be $8m to replace,' Mr Rombotis said.
The Frosts are taking their cats and horses with them when they move.
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