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Historic Rural Property with pioneer past. Situated in Exclusive Berwick District 198 acres 80ha. approx. 4 titles in the Urban Growth Boundary.

Homestead & 3 cottages, Cattle Stud, Equestrian Centre & Stable Complex, 1800 metre training track, Magnificent Gardens and more………

Located on the green plains of West Gippsland, yet within commuting distance of Melbourne ‘Jesmond Dene’ is a truly outstanding country property, the calibre of which is rarely available. Established about 155 years ago, Jesmond Dene has become renowned for its majestic setting with century old oaks and English trees, and for the impressive Victorian residence (circa 1905) that stands on it.

Two stately old oak trees, located some four kilometers off the Princess Highway near Officer, 50 kilometres south-east of Melbourne, guard the entry to Jesmond Dene, the country mansion named for the English town whence came the acorns from which they have grown.

This splendid Victorian homestead represents a unique piece of our pioneering history.

The property was once part of the 2331 hectare St. Germains run on the west bank of the Cardinia Creek, acquired in 1849 by a Scottish immigrant named Alexander Patterson, who became a leading light in the Victorian pastoral industry.

Alexander Patterson (after whom the Patterson Lakes are named) died in 1896. His third son, John, who ran the station until it was sold in the early 1900s, retained part of the old property on which he built the present homestead around 1905.

Today there is still a living link with the Patterson family, for the two grand old oaks by the front gate were grown from acorns brought from ‘Jesmond Dene’ near Newcastle-upon-tyne, England.

Extensively and accurately refurbished, this gracious solid brick Victorian home of around 700 square metres is truly a masterpiece of old-world architecture, painstakingly restored to its former glory in good taste and with the finest fittings and fixtures.

It features an enormous drawing room, formal dining room, family room, breakfast room, study, billiards room, five double bedrooms with full bathrooms and a superb kitchen.

The period details and fittings are magnificent with original Victorian tiling in the entry hall, marble fireplaces, superb cornices and ceiling roses, crystal chandeliers, imported wallpapers, oak paneling and pure wool carpet.

It is surrounded by majestic English gardens with century-old oaks, pines and exotic trees.  Quality pastures, rich fertile land, permanent dams, lake. Domestic water is supplied by tanks holding some 600,000 litres. Ducted gas central heating and two fuel heaters.

It is currently being run as a successful cattle stud, with an extensive cattle/horse complex incorporating 12 boxes with a 10,000 bale capacity. There is a professional equestrian centre and stable complex and indoor tennis court.

The recreational garden area include a 3.6 metre by 12.2 metre indoor pool.

While owned by the Honorable C.S.Gawith, ‘Jesmond Dene’ became renowned for its racehorses. More recently a successful Murray grey cattle stud. It nevertheless still has the 1800 metre training track and sand roll used by such champions as Caulfield Cup winner Big Philou.

Recreation Centre with gymnasium centre, rock pool & spa baths (under construction)