Home to the same family for four generations, Bass River has hosted Prime Ministers, high society, and Hollywood royalty. Now, this landmark property is ready for you to write the next chapter in its epic life story.
You approach Bass River along an impossibly quiet country lane. But you know you're in for something special when you see the grand procession of towering cypress trees leading towards the front gate. Pass through the white-walled entrance, and a winding driveway carries you through a vast canopy of established European and native trees, where you'll find the tranquil and private retreat you've been searching for.
Set amongst established trees in an acre of lush gardens, including a stunning rose garden, Bass River's main homestead is a modernist classic built in the 1950s by the same family that owns it today. Full of stunning original features, including etched glass doors, decorative ceiling roses, ornate fireplace and hardwood floors, a modern extension means the property now boasts six expansive bedrooms, including two parents' retreats with ensuites and separate living areas. The home also includes a family bathroom, two large living rooms complete with fireplace, study and library, and a large kitchen with central island and meals area. In addition, a standalone pavilion at the rear of the property with an open fireplace is currently used as a games room, with pool table and a bar.
And if those walls could talk. A trimmed grass expanse between the homestead and the work sheds is called "The Helipad," because that's what it was for years as famous guests flew into this private sanctuary. Two towering gum trees are known as "Malcolm" and "Tammy", because they were planted by the Frasers. And the bedrooms have, at various times, hosted everyone from the Rockefellers to Rex Harrison.
What will excite you at Bass River is its potential. There's the stable behind the main property currently used as a workshop, garden shed, and storage barn that can easily be transformed into additional accommodation. And don't miss the abandoned cottage with a separate entrance on the second half of the property that simply begs to be replaced with another home (STCA). Behind that site, there's an established grove of 19th century oaks and elms, and a stunning, tree-ringed dam with vast views of the Strzelecki Ranges.
With a water license to access the picturesque Bass River that winds along the full length of the property, this place is a rural fantasyland. Located in one of Australia's most fertile farming belts, for decades Bass River was one of the country's foremost Simmental cattle studs. The infrastructure on the 80 acres approx property is all there, with a central laneway servicing multiple small paddocks, and two large machinery and hay sheds and an extensive covered cattle yard. At present, the acreage is used to agist beef cattle.
The most remarkable thing about Bass River is that you'll feel like you're a million miles away from everything. Yet you're just minutes from the legendary surf at Kilcunda and Phillip Island, a stone's throw from boating on Westernport, with the services of Wonthaggi and the beaches of Inverloch close at hand. All that, and it's an easy hour-and-a-half drive from Melbourne's CBD.
Bass River has everything you need to bring your dreams to life. What do you see here? Wedding and event venue?... Horse stud?... Vineyard?... Eco-retreat? Bountiful organic food venture with bee-hives, truffles, eggs and garlic?
All the foundations are there. And the possibilities are endless; you're only limited by your imagination.
Bass River is where you'll make your dreams come true.
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST UNTIL 31ST OF MARCH 2022 AT 12 NOON
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