Last Listing description (March 2021)
THE 40 SQUARE MAIN RESIDENCE
Enter the estate via a long majestic driveway lined with towering gums, tree ferns, Azalea, Rhododendron and Maple trees. Bluestone steps lead to the homes wide verandah and front door.
Before you enter turn around to take in the breathtaking views to the Melbourne CBD, Port Phillip Bay and beyond.
A long hallway opens to a magnificent 6.7 m x 9.4 m formal lounge and dining area with original paneled walls and 3.6m vaulted ceilings, luxury drapes, wood fire and reverse cycle air- conditioning. The house has four huge bedrooms, two bathrooms, an informal sitting/breakfast room plus gym/office and enclosed fernery/orchid atrium. The large county style kitchen has exposed brick and stone walls and timber bench tops. Updated stainless SMEG dishwasher, SMEG 900mm gas cooktop and fan-forced oven provide a modern touch. An atrium-style picture window floods light into the room and affords the chef views to majestic chestnut trees and mountain ash gums.
THE GUEST ACCOMMODATION
Set well away from the main residence, comprises three modern fully self-contained one-bedroom cabins, all with spas, kitchens, lounge/dining, wood fires, private decks and sensational views.
Cabins are serviced by own water tank (50,000 litres) and sewerage system. Currently operating as Cherokee Mountain Retreat they offer excellent income earning potential or additional accommodation for family and visitors. Check out the website www.cherokeemountainretreat.net for more information.
THE OUT BUILDINGS
The Nissan Hut is a huge wood and utilities shed housing farm machinery, house pumps and generator. Large separate Artists studio attached to the rear of Nissan Hut. Garden tool shed and greenhouse located near house. Reproduction Gardeners Cottage built around two gums and original 1870s fireplace situated at rear of guest cabins. 4.5kw solar electric system and excellent mountain spring water with pumping rights from permanent creek plus three concrete water tanks (86,000 litre storage.)
LOCATION AND NATIVE WILDLIFE
Set at 880 metres on the south side of the Macedon Ranges, the altitude offers incredible panoramic views to the Melbourne CBD, Port Phillip Bay, You Yangs and beyond. The propertys secluded and private nature allow native wildlife to feel safe to forage in the surrounding paddocks and gardens. Wombat, Koala, Echidna and Rock Wallaby are regulars as are an abundance of birdlife from the smallest of Wrens to the magnificent Wedge-tailed Eagle and the Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo. Your own private wildlife park a mere one-hour drive from the Melbourne CBD and 35 minutes to Melbourne Tullamarine Airport.
THE HISTORY
Craigielea circa 1875 was built for Sir William Mountain as a summer retreat. At the time Sir William was a prominent businessman in Melbourne and the Mayor of Emerald Hill - now known as South Melbourne. Although the property is now listed as being in Mount Macedon, the area was once a well populated saw milling village named Cherokee and is still known as Cherokee to this day. Built from sandstone and bluestone quarried from the property the external walls of the house are fifty centimetres thick. Sir William used the house predominantly as his gentlemans residence often retiring the ladies to his other house in nearby Kerrie.
An 1800s, Collins Street lamp sits on the edge of the terraces. Originally lit by gas, it has been converted to current power and blends perfectly amid the Rhododendron and Azalea trees. The terraced gardens and stone paths which were laid out by Ferdinand Von Mueller in the late 1870s remain as do many of the original trees including four huge chestnut trees which stand like sentinels guarding the rear of the property.
The remains of an historic Cobb and Co coach track can be found at the base of the property along with a spring fed horse trough. At the time Craigielea was a resting point for the horse drawn carriages travelling to and from the Bendigo gold fields.
A more comprehensive history of Craigielea will be available to the lucky buyer.
As directed by the REIV, the following guidelines apply to any person(s) entering a property for an inspection:
Provide your name and contact information upon entry (photo identification maybe requested)
Observe social distancing guidelines
Obey instructions from the Estate Agency representatives
Leave the property if requested to do so by the Estate Agency representatives
Not touch surfaces or door handles without direct supervision by the Estate Agency representatives
If you have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) please refrain from attending any open for inspections