LARUNDEL, at Cargerie, near Meredith, is arguably one of the best estates in Victoria.

The property is a picture of elegance, with the main bluestone and polychrome brick homestead surrounded by 2ha of spectacular gardens designed by world-renowned landscape designer Paul Bangay.

LARUNDEL

  • CARGERIE
  • Property: sheep, lifestyle, cropping
  • Size: 1011.7ha
  • Sale: expressions of interest close November 27 at noon.
  • Price: $20 million
  • Agent: Abercromby's, Armadale
  • Contact: (03) 9864 5300

Paul Preat and his family bought Larundel seven years ago and have loved the property.

"It's been a great place for the family. I don't think you could find anything better," Paul said.

"Anything a child could desire is all there and we're very close to Melbourne as well.

"We have been fairly privileged in being able to enjoy a place like this.

"It ticks all the boxes. I couldn't fault it. It's got everything."

A 2km drive along an avenue of century-old pine trees upon entering Larundel leads to the homestead, which Paul said was rich in history.

The interior, put together by designer John Coote, has the very best fabrics from Venice and England, as well as light fittings from across the world.

Paul and his family looked far and wide for their perfect home and said, for them, Larundel had the "wow" factor.

"We found a lot of homesteads are cold and dark but this is all about liveability. It's been impeccably restored and it is light and liveable," he said. "Everything inside has some pedigree."

The property also boasts a large country kitchen and a 4000-bottle wine cellar.

The homestead's grandeur is matched by that of its welcoming guest quarters.

Paul renovated "The Stables" recently for family and friends who visited.

The Stables is completely separate but close to the homestead and features four bedrooms, three bathrooms, its own library, commercial-quality kitchen, 30-seat dining area and a large lounge.

A croquet lawn, polo field and tennis court will also help the future owner of Larundel entertain guests.

But while the property is aesthetically pleasing, it's the ultimate in farming land too.

Paul said the property had originally held about 10,000 sheep but now had about 7500 head.

"When we bought the property the focus was on producing the finest bale of wool," he said. "That's moved a little bit now and we've been doing a lot of cropping as well.

"We've got wheat, barley and canola in and we're producing some of the best yields in the district."

During their ownership, the Preats have improved the property by installing extensive all-weather roads and laneways, replacing most of the fences with traditional iron-bark fences and planting about 60,000 trees.

Other farm infrastructure include a fully fitted air-conditioned farm office, renovated four-bedroom manager's house, historic five-stand shearing shed, storage silos, extensive yarding, sheds and dry storage.

Garaging for nine cars, a heliport including hangar and refuelling facilities, and a 760-metre runway are also included in the sale.

Paul said he travelled by helicopter to Melbourne frequently in under 20 minutes.

"I can wake up in the morning the same time as someone living in Armadale and I'd beat them into the city," he said.