Beechworth’s grand Myrla bring French flair to the countryside

The emotive French expression “coup de foudre” sums up how Pierre Masclef and partner Helen McAlpin felt when they stepped through the front door of Beechworth’s grand Victorian-era residence Myrla four years ago.

Owners of 3 Fletcher Road, Beechworth, Helen McAlpin and Pierre Masclef.

The emotive French expression “coup de foudre” sums up how Pierre Masclef and partner Helen McAlpin felt when they stepped through the front door of Beechworth’s grand Victorian-era residence Myrla four years ago.

“Coup de foudre means love at first sight or a fateful encounter — just like you are struck by a thunderbolt — and that’s how we felt about here,” says Masclef, who grew up in the Loire Valley, France.

Owners of 3 Fletcher Road Beechworth Helen McAlpine and Pierre Masclef.

The stately historic home with wide timber verandahs was built in 1875 by Donald Fletcher, originally from Scotland. The father of 10 owned a successful Beechworth gold mining business.

Set on a hill, the spacious five-bedroom house and extensive gardens have wonderful views of the historic tourist town and beyond.

Converted to a government property during 1950s and 60s, an interior upper level was removed.

Beautifully restored by another owner, it retained much of its historic charm including original polished timber floors, Italian marble mantles, high ceilings, cellar, and stained-glass windows.

When the couple purchased Myrla, they added their own flair, including a white and gold decor to the impressive formal dining room — which is “very French” according to Masclef.

Fortunately, his family heirloom French antiques, which are large and heavy, fit snuggly in the house with his mother’s antique carved dresser starring in the dining room.

Owners of 3 Fletcher Road Beechworth Helen McAlpine and Pierre Masclef.

The couple met at a gala ball in Paris near Versailles Palace, attended by 600 people, about 30 years ago.

“Pierre was asked to look after ‘the Australian’ — so began a lasting romance and many trips back and forth between Australia and Europe,” says McAlpin, a retired music teacher, who grew up in Stanley, near Beechworth.

The couple use the spare rooms as a study where Masclef’s much-loved French built barrel organ (orgue de barbarie) now sits. McAlpin has a light-filled music room with an open fireplace, where her piano and some other treasured musical instruments are at hand.

The modern open plan kitchen has a large granite island bench, a dining area and cosy sitting room while the spacious master bedroom has an ensuite and walk-in dressing room.

The magnificent Victorian-style garden of just under a hectare was originally designed by leading German botanist Baron Ferdinand von Mueller, the director of the Melbourne Botanic Gardens.

Owners of 3 Fletcher Road Beechworth Helen McAlpine and Pierre Masclef.

McAlpin spends much time in the garden, which features manicured box hedges, abundant roses. and come spring, a multitude of daffodils, tulips, liliums plus bright annuals.

Taking centre stage is an Evergreen Oak dating back to 1875, and other established species including a lofty pine tree grace the front garden.

“I love spending time in the garden and it really is spectacular in all seasons, but we are ready to downsize,” says McAlpin.

There are two water features — a classic tiered fountain in the front and a modern reflection pond in the courtyard hemmed by a Beechworth granite retaining wall. A small granite dairy or smoke house features in the courtyard.

Nearby, the former stables and coach house, a two-storey brick building, is where Masclef is restoring a 1927 Packard vehicle. It could easily be converted to extra accommodation.

Before Myrla, home for the couple was a 24ha olive grove, L’Oliveraie, 3km from Beechworth.

Owners of 3 Fletcher Road Beechworth Helen McAlpine and Pierre Masclef.

There they produced award-winning olives and olive oil from 2700 olive trees.

They frequently return to central France, where they own a restored five-storey riverside art deco home in Argenton-sur-Creuse, three hours from Paris.

“We think we have the best of both worlds in Australia and France.

“We will be sorry to leave this beautiful old house with so many memories and such a history,” McAlpin says.

The property, located at 3 ­Fletcher Road, Beechworth, is for sale through Devlin Estate Agents.

It has an asking price of $1.69m.