FARMS the size and calibre of Carawa so close to Melbourne are not easy to come by.

The stunning 608ha property is just 30 minutes' drive north from Melbourne's CBD in the growth area of Mickleham.

CARAWA
• MICKLEHAM, VICTORIA
• Property: grazing
• Size: 608ha
• Auction: May 28, on site
• Price: $6 million-plus
• Agent: Ray White Rural, Victoria
• Contact: Neil Butler, 0419 319 087

But it is not just its close proximity to Melbourne that makes it unique.

Carawa has played some starring roles on Australian television.

The homestead was used as a set for the Australia drama series The Flying Doctors and the property has featured in several TV advertisements.

It has also been home to John and Jan Ower for 28 years.

John said they had loved their time there and were only selling to look to retirement.

"We've enjoyed it very much and so have our daughters and granddaughters," he said.

"We run Angus cows. We used to run about 2500 sheep but as time has gone on, we've looked to cattle."

John said they had about 380-420 breeders at Carawa.

He said the farm was productive and easy to manage, and could be comfortably run as a one-man operation.

"The west of the country consists mostly of granitic soils and the front part of the property is gently rolling hills," John said. "It's about 70 per cent arable."

The property is fenced into about 15 main paddocks and boasts more than 7km of Deep Creek frontage, which supplies stock and domestic water.

Pastures consist of phalaris, rye, cocksfoot, clover and native grasses, and there are well-positioned stands of timber for stock shelter throughout the property.

Carawa features a beautiful, spacious homestead, built in the early 1900s.

"It's a lovely old house," John said. "It has been re-wired and re-blocked and it's a very, very comfortable place to live."

The home has four bedrooms, one with an ensuite, a newly renovated bathroom and family-style kitchen with a double electric oven and bench hotplates, a family room, formal lounge and dining rooms, and a spacious study.

The living room has large glass windows that look out to an in-ground pool and the rolling pastures beyond.

There is a second residence nearby, also with four bedrooms, which would make an ideal manager's home.

Farm infrastructure includes a hay shed, workshop, three-stand shearing shed and yards, timber cattle yards and four pony stables and yards.

Held in 10 titles, it would be suitable for subdivision (subject to council approval) or for continuation as a viable farming operation.

"It's really a place that will secure someone's capital and at the same time allow them to be able to enjoy a wonderful rural lifestyle," John said.