Talisker Homestead, 1901
History
Initially part of the Merino Downs pastoral run, one of the first three squatting runs established in Victoria, Talisker was constructed following the marriage of Caroline Henty to Alexander MacLeod in 1890 as their family home.
An outstanding example of early Edwardian architecture, the homestead was designed by London-born architect Charles D’Ebro. Renowned for his work, D’Ebro designed several significant late 19th century buildings in Victoria, including Stonington mansion in Melbourne, a former Australian Government House.
Completed in 1901, Talisker was named after the MacLeod ancestral seat on the Isle of Skye in Scotland, which holds a distinguished place in Scottish Highland history. Talisker in Scotland was for centuries a possession of the Clan MacLeod. It is also here that the Talisker Distillery was founded in 1830, home to the legendary Talisker whisky.
Strong ties to the Macleod family history can still be seen at Talisker. The formal dining room features an original mural of boats departing the Isle of Skye, and above the main entrance is a crest bearing the MacLeod family motto, ‘Hold Fast'.
Accommodation
A true labour of love, owners and hosts Kate and Andrew Boal have been carefully restoring Talisker, and now invite you to come and experience a very special country getaway. From the moment you reach the top of the drive and set eyes on the stunning facade, with its sweeping verandahs and exquisite viewing tower, Talisker will take your breath away. This is truly one of Australia’s greatest remaining historic homesteads.
Those who appreciate heritage architecture will fall in love with the magnificent period detail in every room. With a deep sense of history throughout, Talisker features warm polished floorboards, intricate cornicework and soaring ceilings, over ten ornate fireplaces - both timber and marble, original leadlight windows and doors, handcrafted timber stairs, servants’ bells, and original kerosene lamps now converted to electricity, in the drawing room, dining room, and entrance hall.
Sleeping up to 24 guests, there are 11 bedrooms with 5 king beds, 4 queen beds, 1 double bed and 4 king single beds. Each bedroom has been elegantly and simply furnished with antique furniture, artworks, crisp quality linens, and dotted with fresh flowers. Children are welcome, and pets upon request, making Talisker the perfect destination for groups of family and friends.
Four bathrooms have all been beautifully renovated, and feature walk-in showers, freestanding clawfoot bath, and local Grampian Goods Co amenities.
The large entrance hall, with its trio of tall coloured leadlight windows, is now home to a sun-filled sitting room, a wonderful spot to relax for some quiet reading time with a cup of tea. Enjoy time together in the library and drawing room with a glass of wine and a board game. And hold unforgettable long lunches and dinners in the formal dining room, with its antique dining setting, richly-coloured walls, and stunning Art Nouveau wallpaper murals. Gaze out across the countryside, and consider times past when the Macleod family dined here.
Pantry essentials are provided in the spacious kitchen, along with local wine and chocolates - and your hosts are also happy to arrange picnics, catered lunches and dinners, so you can spend more time with loved ones. There’s also a BBQ and plenty of space to eat outdoors on the verandah, along with a fire pit in the orchard for toasting marshmallows under starry skies.
Equally as remarkable as Talisker’s architectural beauty is its location. Positioned high atop a hill, it commands 360 degree views of the surrounding countryside. Narrow stairs lead you to the utterly romantic viewing tower, a small square room that has been thoughtfully restored, with chaise lounge tucked underneath the main window. You could easily spend an afternoon or two here, reading or writing, while taking in the mesmerizing landscape views that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Exclusive Offer
Mention Historic Stays to receive a 10% discount off your total stay - or for shorter stays, your third night half price.
Special Features
Drawing Room & Library
Heritage Listed
Working Farm
Antiques & Original Art
Things To Do
Merino is located 80km north of Portland, on the Great Ocean Road. Visit nearby historic Casterton, stop in at the Kelpie Museum, browse boutique shops, and stay to enjoy dinner at one of the local pubs.
Dunkeld, another charming historic town, offers picturesque walks and hikes through the Grampians National Park. The walk up Mt Sturgeon is worth it for the incredible views from the top. See Visit Grampians website for more information on walks near Dunkeld.
Tour the Henty Wine Region, with the nearest cellar door to Talisker just 20 minutes away, or why not discover South Australia’s iconic Coonawarra wine region, only an hour’s drive across the border to more than 24 cellar doors. Your hosts are happy to organise a wine tasting day trip.
Less than an hour’s drive will see you in Portland and Cape Bridgewater, with sweeping coastal views. Enjoy fish & chips on Portland’s foreshore, wander the historic Botanic Gardens, and visit the Portland Museum to learn more about this early port town. A little further afield, but well worth the drive, will see you in the well-preserved historic fishing village of Port Fairy, with gourmet cafes and restaurants, boutique stores, art galleries, and pretty rows of Georgian cottages.
On your way home, drive through Cavendish and call into The Bunyip Hotel, an institution in Cavendish since the 1840s, that now offers delicious, locally-grown meals.
