The Homestead Barunah Plains, c. 1886
Sleeps 22 | Bedrooms 10 | Bathrooms 4
Barunah Plains, in Victoria’s Western District, was first established in 1846 by Thomas Austin (born 1815), and has played a significant role in our wool industry, providing the genetic base for many of Australia’s fine wool studs. In 1851, it was acquired by brothers Thomas and Philip Russell. Barunah Plains became the largest sheep station in Victoria, with over 50,000 sheep across 24,840 hectares and employed over 50 people who lived on the property. It became a thriving, self-contained community, complete with its own post office.
At the heart of Barunah Plains’ stunning acreage, nestled next to Warrambine Creek lies The Homestead, a luxurious country getaway for families & friends to reunite and escape the hustle & bustle of city life. Designed by architects Davidson and Henderson, the original part of the homestead dates to 1866, with additions completed between the 1890s to 1910. Listed with the National Trust and Heritage Victoria, it is one of Victoria’s earliest stone-built homesteads. A six year sympathetic restoration has returned the property to its original glory, with detailed period features throughout, including intricate leadlight windows in the grand entrance hall, ornate fireplaces and window trims, wainscoting, original doors and high ceilings - each room provides a glimpse into the past. The Homestead’s outbuildings are also heritage listed, and include the old bakery, laundry, stables, coach house, cottages, woolshed, and ram building.
Sleeping up to 22 people in 10 luxurious bedrooms, The Homestead provides ample space for guests to unwind. All bedrooms are fitted with premium linens and include the master king room with dressing room & ensuite, five queen rooms, two twin singles, a double room, and further double with two single beds. There are four beautifully-appointed full bathrooms, some with deep baths to relax in at the end of the day.
The large chef’s kitchen is the hub of the Homestead, and is fully equipped to allow for self-catering, with Aga oven and coffee machine. Alternatively, gourmet catering can be arranged for group stays. Enjoy casual breakfasts together around the island bench, or a candlelit dinner served in the stunning formal dining room, the antique table original to the property.
Indoors and out, there’s a place for everyone. Play a game of pool in the billiards room, choose a book from the library in the formal sitting room, hold a movie night in one of two TV rooms, and enjoy pre-dinner drinks in the ballroom, with a sitting area and dining space. Outside, relax with a coffee on the sweeping verandah, enjoy a friendly tennis competition and BBQ lunch, and kids will love the Olympic-sized trampoline, pool and chatting in the pool house. Of an evening, gather around one of several fireplaces indoors…or the firepit with stacked firewood is the perfect place to reconnect & toast marshmallows under the Milky Way.
Guests are also free to explore over 640 acres of grounds the historic outbuildings, including the estate’s exquisite, inspirational gardens. The formal garden’s layout dates to 1890, with Gardenesque design elements including gravel paths, shrubberies, and feature trees with distinctive form including bunya pines, monkey puzzle trees, and 120 year old elms. Follow the Warrambine Creek searching for the resident platypus, and collect fresh eggs from the chook house on your way back.
Conveniently located just 90 minutes from Melbourne and 30 minutes from Geelong, The Homestead at Barunah Plains offers an easy escape to the country, suiting guests young and old, and the chance to experience an integral part of Victorian history.
Special Features
Established Gardens
Families & Groups
Tennis Court
Antique Decor
Things To Do
Although there’s much to do at The Homestead, the surround region also offers wide range of activities. Explore the diverse neighboring food and wine region, take a road trip along the spectacular Great Ocean Road and head to Lorne for fish & chips on the beach. Discover the Otway Forest on a rainforest walk, with giant ferns and waterfalls. Have a hit of golf at the Inverleigh Golf Club, or a meal & craft beer at Inverleigh Hotel, an impressive c.1956 two storey bluestone building. For the ultimate foodie experience, award-winning restaurant Brae is a 25 minute drive down the road.
