Grazing, cropping property for sale: Larundel at Meredith

This historic bluestone homestead is set in a two-hectare garden designed by Australian landscaper Paul Bangay.

Historic homestead: Larundel Estate

THE Austin family chose well went they bought the Western District property Larundel in the 1880s.

The Meredith-district property played home to the well-known land holders and their legacy is one of the region’s most prestigious holdings, which still has its original bluestone homestead.

Larundel is being offered for sale by Ruyi Australia Group and selling agent Danny Thomas from CBRE Agribusiness said its “place within the nation’s agricultural history” is a drawcard.

MEREDITH

LARUNDEL

PROPERTY: grazing, cropping

SIZE: 942ha

SALE: expressions of interest close March 12

PRICE: about $20 million

AGENT: CBRE Agribusiness

CONTACT: Dany Thomas 0439 349 977 or Shane McIntyre 0429 557 070

Larundel at Cargerie near Meredith. Picture: Supplied

“The opportunity (to buy) would appeal to both domestic and international high-net-worth individuals as well as local farming families seeking expansion,” Mr Thomas said.

It could also be attractive to “tourism or accommodation groups looking to develop boutique group accommodation,” he said.

The property’s position is considered key, being 50 minutes’ drive from Geelong and 90 minutes from Melbourne.

The historic homestead is considered a drawcard.

The homestead is 840-square metres and includes four bedrooms, a study, library, billiard room, several living areas, a country kitchen, a conservatory and a wine cellar capable of holding 4000 bottles.

Larundel at Cargerie near Meredith. Picture: Supplied

The bluestone homestead is set in a two-hectare garden designed by Paul Bangay and incudes lawns, a tennis court and croquet lawn.

Along with the residence, there is space for nine cars in garages, a helipad, an aircraft hangar and an airstrip.

There is additional guest accommodation in a self-contained residence known The Stables.

The property is described as having highly productive, fertile open plains which are gently undulating.

The owners of Larundel have been running a mix of Merino sheep producing 18-19 micron wool, a prime lamb operation as well as cropping some areas.

The property has shelter in all paddocks for livestock and paddocks are accessed through laneways. Stock water is supplied by a reticulated system and there is frontage to the Yarrowee and Leigh Rivers and Williamsons Creek.

Larundel at Cargerie near Meredith. Picture: Supplied

Farming infrastructure includes a five-stand shearing shed and yards, silos, machinery sheds, hay sheds and other shedding including workshop areas.

Mr Thomas said the property suited someone looking for “a rural landholding with a trophy homestead” and offered a balance of fertile plains, rivers and bush.

“The history of the property and its place within the nation’s agricultural history is another drawcard … its enduring success is a testament to the Austin family’s visionary approach to farming in the emerging colony,” he said.

The property is being offered for sale on a Walk-In-Walk-Out basis including period furniture, artwork and garden sculptures.