926 Stephenson Road

Tambo Upper VIC 3885

As you meander down the driveway into the world of Rivendell, Tambo Upper, there is a definite feeling of arriving at a sanctuary, as you pass oak trees and their hidden truffles, the original milking dairy that is now Arkenstone Cottage, cleverly disguised sheds and an orchard, before arriving at the homestead, perched on a hill above the Tambo River.

THE HOMESTEAD

Rivendell was owned by the Tyrrell family, until the current owners purchased the property in 2003. It has since become a testament to the hard work and attention to detail the owners have bestowed on every aspect.

The gracious entrance has wide stairs leading up to a large verandah that encircles the house, and upon opening the front door, a wide travertine hallway greets you, leading to immaculate rooms at every turn.

The main part of the home encompasses two large master bedrooms with private ensuites, one with an infrared sauna, the other with spa bath, laundry and separate bathroom, along with a third bedroom, complete with a fireplace, that could also make a lovely office.

Also, downstairs, where the original Cedar and Spotted Gum boards sing with character, the formal dining and sitting rooms have an open fireplace each and are registered for use as a restaurant, creating plenty of options.

Tucked away upstairs is a sitting room and fourth bedroom.

THE GUEST ACCOMMODATION

In addition to the homestead, there are two other accommodation options, suitable for multi-generation families or visitors, which due to their impressive nature, featured on the television program Postcards.

Arkenstone Cottage is a three bedroom, two bathroom home with a kitchen, laundry, outdoor entertaining area and two-car garage.

The delightful Bag End has been used as a bed and breakfast and has been completed with recycled materials, the outstanding feature being the beautifully renovated spacious bedroom inside an old concrete water tank.

It is something that cannot be fully appreciated until you are standing there, marvelling at the round room. The floors are a gleaming, polished concrete, with a small bathroom and kitchen, complete with a copper wood fire inside and a hot tub on the verandah.

THE OUTDOOR OPTIONS

The property has been set up for use as a function centre with the picture perfect terraced gardens having played host to dozens of weddings.

In addition to the restaurant licence, there is a liquor licence for the fully enclosed external bar, and a licensed commercial kitchen.

Adjacent to the house is a covered, walled garden with the capacity to use for functions, receptions or simply family use, which in turn leads to a fully enclosed bar and bathroom facilities.

Other features that set Rivendell apart include a six seater spa and changeroom at the end of the orchard, an external library room with its own wood fire, a designated carpark and even a children's play area.

There is also a covered chook run and raised vegetable gardens, making fresh produce available to go straight to the kitchen.

The range within the orchard is incredible with native limes, bananas, avocadoes and grapefruit, stone fruits from cherries to plums, apricot to clingstone peaches, and citrus including orange and mandarin.

A mulberry tree, a plum and the orange trees are estimated at over 100 years old.

THE FARM

On the farming side of the business, the 110-acre property has approximately 300 metres of river frontage, cattle yards, and spring fed billabongs, from which a solar pump sends water to two holding tanks that feed the gardens and troughs.

There is a 55 megalitre irrigation licence from the Tambo River which can also be used for stock and domestic purposes.

For the horse lovers there are undercover stables with a washdown bay, a large round yard and several sheds for ample storage.

The farmland, including lush river-flat, currently easily stocks 25 cows and calves but is capable of more, while shade is not a problem with thousands of trees in several plantations, including varieties like mahogany and spotted gum, planted under a forestry scheme 13 years ago, that can be harvested and replanted.

Inspections strictly by appointment only, please call Michael Capes 0418 514 258