Macedonrealestate

Willowmount - Same family ownership since 1927. Mount Macedon is known for having the most important collection of 19th century hill station properties and gardens in the Southern Hemisphere, and together they represent a unique and important cultural landscape. Represented for sale in conjunction with - Dominic Romeo Historic Property, Willowmount is one such property. Owned by the Clarke family since 1927, the current residence was designed with symmetry, simplicity and scale during the 1980's, and built to capture the expansive views over the garden and Mount Macedon. After almost 100 years of family ownership, this exceptional lifestyle property now represents an opportunity for buyers seeking a country and regional escape or simply to own a unique trophy weekender. Willowmount comes with provenance. The Clarke family have been local landowners since 1837 and an important part of the early establishment of Victoria. Tom and William Christian purchased the land in 1854 and built a saw-mill on the property and later developed it into an orchard. During the 1880's, Jack O'Brien bought the property and built a 4 roomed weatherboard cottage until the more modest Willowmount was built in 1902. Subsequent owners included Sir Robert Knox in 1921; in 1927 purchased by Sir Frank and Lady Clarke. The property has since remained in the Clarke family. The 870m2 sandstone-coloured reinforced concrete residence is grand in scale. The main entry vestibule leads to a series of large, well-proportioned living spaces which include the library, sitting rooms, 3 large bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and guest toilet. The kitchen is a gourmet chef's delight with extensive food preparation workbenches, premium appliances, storage cabinetry, large pantry, and a meals area. The downstairs is equally impressive with 5 further bedrooms (2 with ensuite bathrooms), bathroom, a powder room, laundry, storage rooms, home theatre, and a huge cellar. There are 2 walled garden courtyards - perfect for alfresco dining or entertainment. The house is serviced by split systems, 2 open fire places, a wood heater, and hydronic heating. It enjoys views of Mount Macedon from the wide balcony and rooftop. Outbuildings include a woodshed with storage for garden tools, an outdoor loo (handy for garden parties), and garage. The 1.59 ha established garden of Willowmount is easily managed with flat to slightly undulating topography. The garden contains collections of exotic, native and deciduous trees, including elms, oaks, tulip trees, birches and Japanese maples. The woodland garden has vast plantings of bluebells, perennials, bulbs and large open lawn areas sweeping down to the pond and Turritable Creek. The garden benefits from highly fertile soils, high annual rainfall, cool climate weather and 4 distinct seasons. Willowmount is situated below the mist line. Mount Macedon is a region that is historically, culturally and environmentally rich and diverse and has a wonderful sense of community. The area has a vibrant artistic community and a strong regional food culture. At your doorstep are the historic villages of Woodend, Kyneton, Malmsbury and Trentham - all of which feature regional galleries, wineries and distilleries, restaurants and cafes, antique stores, and walking trails. Willowmount is only a short walk from Mount Macedon's Pub and The Trading Post. The local area provides all levels of schooling, including the local Mount Macedon Primary school. Melbourne CBD is a 50-minute drive and Tullamarine Airport is just 35-minutes away. Freeway access, good roads and train service to Melbourne and regional centres are all nearby. Willowmount, tightly held since 1927 for good reason, not only represents one of Mount Macedon's important estates but it is also an opportunity to own an executive home of grand scale in the heart of Mount Macedon's golden mile.