Historic VIC Rural Property For Sale Beckons New Owner

‘Budgeree’ Offers Precious Piece Of History From Pioneering Era

After four generations of ownership, descendants of the pioneering Keys and Greaves families are offering their historic cattle property ‘Budgeree’ for sale.

Located just 80km east of Melbourne at Caldermeade, the property was established by the Keys family in the late 1800’s.  Originally from County Tyrone in Northern Ireland, the family – including parents George and Margaret and their eight children – emigrated to Australia in 1840, initially leasing land at Preston for dairy farming before obtaining a leasehold over grazing country which is now known as Keysborough.

At the time of his death in 1873, George Keys owned a huge tract of land extending into the Shire of Moorabbin and as far down as Wells Road, which was then in Dandenong.

This historic rural property for sale at Caldermeade in Victoria is on the market for the first time in 130 years

Today, ‘Budgeree’ – thought to have been derived from an Aboriginal word meaning ‘good’ or ‘good place’ – comprises almost 65 hectares (160 acres) of renowned Yannathan grazing country.

Originally run as a dairy farm, the property is now home to a herd of Angus beef cattle – and continues to be managed by members of the third and fourth generations of the two families.

Fourth-generation family member Tim Wilson – who runs a successful 1,000-acre cattle property at Labertouche south-east of Melbourne – says the property has “huge potential”.

This historic rural property for sale Victoria comprises almost 65 hectares of renowned Yannathan grazing country

Set in a private rural setting, convenient to local towns, schools and services, the property is expected to garner interest from genuine cattle graziers as well as those looking for freedom and the true country charm and pride of owning a precious piece of history from a pioneering era.

‘Budgeree’ features heavy grey to black loam soil widely acknowledged for its strong carrying capacity. The rich fertile pastures are in good condition, consisting of rye grass and with an excellent fertilizer history.

Secure stock water is delivered from an electric bore to a header tank and gravity reticulated through a trough system. There’s also a second bore with recently serviced windmill and new tank.

This historic rural property for sale Victoria features multiple sheds – many dating back to the early 1900’s and still standing the test of time

Fully fenced, the property features a good variety of sheds – many dating back to the early 1900’s and still standing the test of time, the original stables, as well as cattle yards and easy truck access.

At the centre of the property is the historic homestead, built from bricks manufactured on-site in 1890.

The homestead has been sympathetically maintained by its custodians over the years to ensure its original character lives on. It boasts three chimneys, high ceilings and original cornicing, and a large veranda fringed in lace metalwork.

The centrepiece of this historic rural property for sale Victoria is a homestead built from bricks manufactured on-site in 1890

Accessed through a charming old wooden gate, the home offers four bedrooms, kitchen/dining room, pantry, and large lounge room with wood heater.

Surrounded by low-maintenance gardens, brick pathways lead through to a refurbished swimming pool, tennis court and outbuildings – as well as a small vineyard and orchard.

‘Budgeree’ also includes a bungalow with ensuite bathroom housed in the former post office and bank building, which remains in good condition and would be suitable for a studio or office.

The homestead on this historic rural property for sale Victoria offers four bedrooms, kitchen/dining room, and lounge room with wood heater

This wonderful holding could well be imagined into a host of alternative uses, including on-farm accommodation or a reception centre utilising the quaint old sheds (subject to council approval).

This is a truly historic homestead property which is coming to market for the first time in 130 years and must be seen to be appreciated.

Click on the following link for more information on this rural property for sale at 130 Swamp Road, Caldermeade, Victoria.