Victorian garden property, one woman's dream

Home owner Heather Urquhart is a force to be reckoned with and once a property steals her heart, she gives it all she’s got.

“I was drawn to Port Fairy at first but I thought I could never afford that,” said Ms Urquhart, who was living in Adelaide at the time.

“Then I saw this place in Rosebrook. I flew over to see it, and bought it on the spot.”

Found at the end of its tree line driveway at 1582 Princes Highway, Rosebrook, Victoria, is located just minutes from the coastal towns of Port Fairy and Warrnambool, in regional Victoria.

Ms Urquhart said she was perhaps the only one to see the 1.4ha property, to realise what was possible, as the house and land was in poor condition.

“It looked like a pimple on a hill!” says the magician who turned the pimple into a very fine, elegant and picturesque property worthy of a magazine cover.

The house, named Balnagowan needed a lot of work after falling into considerable disrepair.

Ms Urquhart was in her element as she did the transformation.

“I’ve always seen potential in places,” says the serial renovator, who had already conducted major works in Sydney and Adelaide.

First to be done up was the stables; now a light filled, large, contemporary space that embraces the original textured walls, weathered beams, and the restored attic space.

With the help of a local farmer who became a close friend, bobcats, front loaders and other earth moving equipment made its way into Rosebrook, and the garden plan was commenced.

It was here that Ms Urquhart’s talents became obvious, talents that Ms Urquhart attributes to her aunt, Australian garden royalty and author Beatrice Bligh.

It’s been a decade of love, adventure, labour and delight. And if one were to try and judge if the hard work has been worth it, one only has to talk to Ms Urquart who’s spirit is as light and bright as a spring lamb on a sunny morning.

Her delight is both tangible and contagious.

Ray White Warrnambool agent Chris Thomas has come under the Rosebank spell, enjoying every moment of representing and showing the home.

“It’s why I got into real estate in the first place,” Mr Thomas said.

”The places like this.”

Mr Thomas said the property’s proximity to Port Fairy was a huge plus.

“It’s a strong town, with a vibrant community.”

Whether purchased as a weekender, a business venture (by way of a wedding or function centre), or a full time residence the future of this wonderful Rosebrook property has been secured by the love and care showered upon it by a woman with a vision, Ms Heather Urquhart.

The home is going to auction this weekend with a guide of between $749,000-$799,000.

Listing can be found here

Folder of high res images can be found here

Media Contact
Ray White Warnambool
Chris Thomas
0439 668 229
hris.thomas@raywhite.com

Ray White Media Advisor
Prue Miller
0402 102 887
media@raywhite.com