Wallan: Saddle up for slice of Robert Holmes à Court’s former equestrian stud

1 month ago 22

The four-bedroom house at 84-106 William St, Wallan, was a caretaker’s residence when late billionaire Robert Holmes à Court owned the property.


A sprawling Tuscan-style estate originally owned by late billionaire Robert Holmes à Court has hit the market 45 minutes north of Melbourne.

The idyllic semirural Wallan property was once part of the high-profile businessman’s lavish Heytesbury Estate equestrian facility and home to his Melbourne Cup winner Black Knight.

CVA Property Consultants northern region director Craig McKellar said tiling in front of the stables still bore the Heytesbury stud’s insignia.

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Mr Holmes à Court poured millions into the original 1000ha farm, which has since been sold off and carved up into a housing estate and the neighbouring Hidden Valley Resort, which includes an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Craig Perry.

The turnkey four-bedroom, three-bathroom residence and another caretaker’s cottage now occupy a 17ha land parcel, spread over two titles at 84-106 William St, Wallan.

The original stables and fencing remain at the former equestrian stud.


The timber-lined stables could be an atmospheric event space.


While the $9m+ property may have run its race as one of the country’s greatest equestrian studs, Mr McKellar sees a bright future for the versatile listing.

“We feel the space could really hold appeal for a winery … or some kind of allied health or wellness retreat would work for the area because it’s only a hop, skip and a jump from a major town and shopping centres,” he said.

“The old stables would be a lovely wedding venue or event space or up-market boutique accommodation.

“It’s just a really pretty little area.”

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Robert Holmes à Court (left) was a prominent racehorse breeder and owner.


Alternatively, the property could continue to serve as a private family home for those seeking “some fresh air” in the rapidly growing region.

Mr McKellar said while the strategic site was currently zoned farming, there could be potential upside for buyers.

“On the north side of William St is all comprehensive residential zone so it’s likely in the future we might see this parcel being rezoned into a more standardised residential zone and that would then allow for some more subdivision,” he said.

A second caretaker’s cottage at the property is leased out until October.


Wallan’s town centre is 2km away.


“At this stage the council hasn’t really earmarked any of that to take place so if the buyer purchases it there’s some massive upside the future that they could really draw down on.

“We are quoting interest in excess of $9m at this stage but if it gets rezoned to a zone that allows for further subdivision you could be talking about $30m or $40m or however many millions of dollars it might yield.”

Expressions of interest close on September 16.


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