A designer home boasting coastal views, an awarded olive grove and vineyard and a thoroughbred training ground that helped spawn racing champions is being offered to the market.
When a young James O’Brien first laid eyes on the coastal block coveted by his late parents about 30 years ago, their dream eluded him.
“I’m thinking: ‘It’s a paddock’,” he recalled.
But his father Kevin O’Brien – a successful businessman in the caravan industry – and mother Tanith, shared a grand vision for the site, known today as Lauriston Farm at 225 & 245A Guy Road, Corinella in Victoria.
“They did fall in love with the place,” James said.
“It was a paddock that overlooked French Island and Western Port Bay, and mum said: ‘That’s where we’re going to build a house.’”
Embarking on the ultimate sea change, the couple developed the “paddock” to include a striking principal residence, renowned thoroughbred training facility, and award-winning vineyard and olive grove.
“It’s got a magnificent view and it was just a lifestyle change,” James explained.
“Mum always supported dad, so she put in an olive grove and a vineyard. And dad has always had an interest in horses, and started building a thoroughbred complex, which it is now.”
Lauriston Farm, spanning 92 ha across two separate titles, is being offered via expressions of interest, with a price guide of $12-13 million.
The estate on Westernport Bay boasts spectacular views across to French Island. James said his mother worked with an architect to ensure the vista would be captured through the glass walls of the striking primary residence.
Meanwhile, his father sold his caravan accessory business, and switched careers mid-life to thoroughbreds, even joining the Melbourne Racing Club board.
The designer home’s living spaces offer 180-degree views over the bay and island, boasting six bedrooms in total.
The property also includes a four-bedroom colonial style residence with bay views, a three-bedroom brick house and two-bedroom residence.
The beach, which can be reached directly from the property, teems with mangroves, swans and bird life.
Up to 80 horses at a time can use the thoroughbred pre-training and agistment facilities, employed by some of Australia’s best trainers.
Caulfield Cup winners Verry Elleegant, Incentivise and Durston spent part of their preparation at the beach on the farm and Aussie sprinter Nature Strip - which won in front of royalty at Royal Ascot - has also spent time there.
The on-site olive grove and vineyard have been recognised with the grapevines harvested in 2022 named the best pinot noir in Gippsland, while the olive trees produced a gold medal-winning extra virgin olive oil in 2023.
The property holds many fond memories for James and sisters Gabrielle and Georgina, with the siblings often visiting with their young families.
“We had great times. Every available moment we had to escape the city, we'd come down and visit mum and dad. Our kids grew up knowing this farm, and we had so many family and friends over,” he said.
“The horses would start running, and we'd see them at the races, and we had a bit of success, so we'd have a few little celebratory occasions down here too.”
James said the thoroughbred training business “runs itself” and doesn’t require being hands-on. “The team here just do a remarkable job,” he added.
“It’s just gone into a space that was beyond my dream.”
However after losing his father during COVID and his mother last year, James said it was time to sell.
“We’re all extremely sad. It’s an estate decision,” he said.
“I just feel this place would really suit someone who wants a lifestyle change, similar to what mum and dad wanted 25 years ago.”
Selling agent Simon O’Donnell of Marshall White said the sale would appeal to those seeking a lifestyle property with “priceless” waterfront views.
There was also scope for a buyer to put their own stamp on it.
“There’s lots of different activities that can be nurtured on the property. It's not just a horse property and that's its uniqueness,” Mr White said.
“It’s been a family concern for a long time and loved accordingly. It's a property you can pretty much walk into and get going, because everything is in operation and very well looked after.”
English (US) · 