THE Chateau at Dookie has been sitting on the crest of a hill overlooking the stunning countryside for 132 years.
And now the opportunity has arisen for a new owner to purchase the unique house and 24ha property.
The Chateau was built in 1886 by John Curtain, one of the developers of the original Dookie Vineyard, which held the title of being one of the largest vineyards in Australia in the 1890s.
DOOKIE
THE CHATEAU, 75 HOOPERS ROAD
PROPERTY: Lifestyle
SIZE: 24ha
SALE: Auction, October 5 at 12pm
PRICE: Expectations of $880,000 to $900,000
AGENT: Kevin Hicks Real Estate
CONTACT: Chris Drum, 0400 213 223
Intending to build a “moderate country box” for his family, the ensuing mansion became known as The Chateau by locals and the name has stuck.
The house was designed to suit the hot climate, with cement rendered brick walls, slate roof and verandas and balconies.
With just three owners since, the property was purchased by Tony and Colyn Moylan in 1978. The Moylans, who lived in the house for more than 30 years until recently, restored the house during their time there.
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Selling agent Chris Drum said it was a unusual house that had all of the original features.
“It’s a rare opportunity to purchase a home like this, because you don’t see them around this part of the country often, especially in that good condition,” Mr Drum said.
The Chateau would make a comfortable family home, a bed and breakfast, has the potential to be used as a wedding venue, or suited for someone who wanted to run horses on it, Mr Drum said.
The house is set in a “lovely” garden setting with mature trees, flower beds and a courtyard, which is set between two original outbuildings, one of which has been converted to an open spa area.
“It’s built on a rise, with a beautiful view overlooking the countryside, which was once the original vineyard,” Mr Drum said.
The house has original carpet, original fireplaces still in good working condition and leadlight windows on the northern rooms. It features five bedrooms, two bathrooms and high ceilings.
“A big dining area the length of the house with two fireplaces and an original structured archway is one of the key features,” Mr Drum said.
The dining room could comfortably seat about 50 people.
The balcony and veranda out the front have been restored as replicas of the originals, while the outside of the house has been recently painted.
A large cellar, with access from the outside, is also in good condition.
The property also features outbuildings including a machinery shed, grain shed and shearing shed.
“It really is a rare opportunity and is a beautiful home,” Mr Drum said.
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