The renovated historic homestead at 1 Elmhust Place, Batesford, was once part of Paradise Vineyard.
A renovated 150-year-old bluestone homestead once at the heart of an early Geelong vineyard offers a slice of history in the Moorabool Valley.
‘Elmhurst’ has had only two owners since the original residence was built at the then Paradise Vineyard in Batesford.
The current owners have transformed its collection of bluestone buildings into a contemporary country retreat framing views across rolling hills to the Moorabool River.
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The outdoor entertainment area has magnificent valley views.
They renovated and extended the main four-bedroom homestead at 1 Elmhurst Place, Batesford, in 2011.
But with their children now grown, they are parting ways with the 1.85ha property above the Riverstone estate.
White House agent Aisha Coe and conjunctional agent HF Richardson’s Matt Poustie are calling for offers for the $1.85m to $2.035m property by April 27.
An adjoining 9ha of land at 2 Elmhurst Place has been subdivided off and is available to purchase for $2.1m to $2.3m either separately or together with the homestead.
Ms Coe said the residence offered a great blend of heritage character and modern conveniences not always found at older country homes.
The kitchen has timber benchtops and Miele appliances.
This bedroom is rich in traditional character.
Floor-to-ceiling windows feature in the open-plan living area.
“It’s an unusual opportunity to own a piece of history. It’s only had two owners and it’s 150 years old, which is a real testament to the property and what it offers,” she said.
“It is one of only a handful of original buildings in Batesford and was part of the Paradise Vineyard.
“The best way to describe it is as quite a whimsical property that’s incredibly functional.”
The architect-designed extension to the main house adds an open-plan living space and premium kitchen with expansive views over the Moorabool River valley.
French doors link to a deck, paved patio and established gardens including a row of 100 quince trees that continue to yield fruit every year.
The sitting room has an open fireplace and wide window sills.
A huge bedroom occupies the first floor of the converted cellar.
The original buildings were solidly built.
The vendors have also added a second storey to the original bluestone cellar to create a separate one-bedroom cottage, while the old dairy serves as a games/cards room.
“We have got an old outdoor kitchen that runs off the back veranda. An old aunty from the original family, who was blind, she used to cook all the meals out there,” the vendor said.
He recalls paddling along the nearby Moorabool River to the Batesford Hotel.
“There’s still a few native fish and we do see quite a few platypus,” he said.
Ms Coe said there was scope to turn the property into accommodation for weddings or a winery once again, subject to council approval.
The adjoining parcel of land currently sits on one title with planning permits currently in place for a further subdivision into four residential lots ranging from 1ha to 1.5ha.
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