3056 Sunraysia Highway Lexton VIC 3352

AN HISTORIC LANDMARK OF VICTORIAS RURAL HERITAGE
MT MITCHELL 1861 LEXTON
AN EXTRAORDINARY MASTERPIECE
OF THE RENOWNED BALLARAT DISTRICT 766 Acres 310 ha

ONE OF THE FINEST HERITAGE PROPERTIES OF VICTORIA AN HISTORIC COUNTRY ESTATE OF NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE

MT MITCHELL
LEXTON Sunraysia Highway
766 Acres 310 ha

History
Mt Mitchell Homestead at Lexton was designed by the prominent architect Charles Webb who was one of the most noted architects in the early colony of Victoria designing some of Melbournes most important buildings which include Tasma Terrace & Melbourne Grammar. The building of the homestead commenced in 1860 and was completed sometime during 1861 built for Thomas Robertson senior and his eldest son James. Thomas lived there until his death in 1873 with James and his family remaining at Mt Mitchell until James death in 1893.

In 1910 Thomas Robertson senior's grandchild engaged another architect to design the additions which almost doubled the size of the original homestead. In approximately 1926 Mt Mitchell was sold to the new owner, Mr Thomas Barrett who extended the garden and planted the pine trees which still grow along the full length of the driveway today. In 1936 Thomas Barrett sold Mt Mitchell to the Muller Brothers and for a period of time the homestead was left neglected and in disrepair until it was purchased by the current owner Mr Richard Salter in 1981.

Now classified by the National Trust and listed on the Heritage Victoria Register the current owner skilfully refurbished the Mt Mitchell Homestead to its original splendour and today represents classic Victorian architecture and craftsmanship of the highest possible standard.

Location
3056 Sunraysia Highway, Lexton, Mt Mitchell is located within the renowned Ballarat District being on the corner
of Dawsons Road and the Sunraysia Highway, approx. 3 kilometres south of Lexton and 40 kilometres north of Ballarat
approx. 1.75 hours from Melbourne.

The property commands a spectacular outlook to the renowned Pyrenees.

Significance
Today the homestead is a large single story bluestone home with the long main wing having a pedimented portico on raised Tuscan columns. The Italianate conservative classic design is given particular importance by the porch which is particularly distinctive.

The Mt Mitchell Homestead and the historic bluestone stables which have been totally renovated are listed on the Heritage Victoria Register and listed with the National Trust.

Mt Mitchell Homestead

Located in magnificent grounds of approximately 10 Acres,the bluestone historic residence has been expertly
renovated to its former impressive state and together with major development of the property's infrastructure and farming attributes, Mt Mitchell again represents a major historic farming landmark of history. The residence comprises magnificent rooms such as formal dining room with clerestory ceiling, sitting room, magnificent library drawing room (presently being utilised as a music room) opening on to a conservatory. The homestead offers 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms plus 4 separate toilets office and a stunning kitchen area (Aga stove) which leads to huge walk in pantry, butlers pantry and scullery.

Designed around a central courtyard which contains an historic horizontal elm.
The residence commands many features including 14 open fire places, hydronic wall heating (gas/wood boiler) original Baltic pine floors and pressed metal ceilings. The main living area of the residence also leads to a 2 room maids quarters.

Gardens
Mt Mitchell Homestead is introduced by a long established pine tree driveway to immaculately presented grounds of
approximately 10 Acres a magnificent manicured presentation of sweeping lawns which includes English oaks, Irish strawberry bushes, cedars, elms, Bunya tree, English box and surrounded by virburnum tinus hedges. The Crabapple walk, which is another feature of the garden leads to a rose arbour, house orchard and extensive vegetable gardens and nut tree lawn.

MT MITCHELL LEXTON
A RENOWNED AND VERSATILE BALANCE OF COUNTRY SUITED TO CROPPING CATTLE SHEEP PURSUITS

Country
An outstanding balance of volcanic soils varying from red loams to heavier and darker soils. Virtually all arable subdivided into 8 main paddocks which are watered either by troughs or creek water holes. Two willow lined creeks run through the property.

Water Supply
An outstanding ornamental lake at the rear of the property is introduced by an Avenue of Silver Poplars which take you from the garden area to the lakes edge. Serviced by a Lister diesel motor pumping to 25,000 gallon tank at the woolshed which then gravity feeds to troughs throughout the property. The diesel pump also services the garden together with electric pressure system.

Historic Stables
Bluestone stables which have been totally renovated and incorporates the original Coach house, various stalls and with a 3 loose box weatherboard skillion.

Guests Cottage
Totally renovated bluestone Guest cottage in its own private garden with Privit hedge surrounds. Comprising 2 bedrooms kitchen (gas stove) lounge (wood heater) bathroom.

Managers Home
In its own private setting and individual driveway is a 3 bedroom brick veneer Managers home also of top quality and offering a delightful outlook to the Pyrenees Ranges.

Farm Infrastructure
- Excellent timber cattle yards (Dawson Road entrance)
- 2 major machinery sheds
- Hay shed (concrete floor)
- Substantial 4 stand woolshed and adjoining yards
- Barn, meat house, weatherboard gardeners complex and other sundry shedding in immaculate condition.

HISTORIC MT MITCHELL LEXTON
A MAGNIFICENT HERITAGE PROPERTY OF AUSTRALIA
INSPECTION HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AND STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT THROUGH SELLING AGENTS
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST INVITED CLOSING DATE TUESDAY 11TH NOVEMBER, 2014 AT 2PM