SITTING high above Portarlington, Churchill Lodge unexpectedly came on to the market six years ago.

It represented both a connection to the past and a gateway to the future for Marlene and Michael Cain, who first came to Portarlington about 40 years ago as teachers.

    CHURCHILL LODGE
  • PORTARLINGTON, VICTORIA
  • Property: lifestyle
  • Size: 32ha
  • Price: $2.9 million
  • Agent: Stockdale & Leggo Portarlington
  • Contact: Loretta Sullivan 0414 516 334

After travelling extensively, they returned 25 years later to buy their seaside retirement home and, shortly after, fulfil a long-held dream.

"We had agisted a mare and foal out here and we used to longingly look at this house and think, wouldn't it be lovely?" Marlene said of their current abode.

"When we bought it, it fulfilled a dream the boys had since being teenagers - to have a property with a few horses."

The couple's three sons, Matt, Damien and Tim - a horse trainer - have since moved on, but about 15 horses remain.

Primarily used for breeding, rearing and agistment, the property has run as many as 55 thoroughbreds and is set up accordingly with shedding, a five-box stable complex, sheltered yards and large paddocks.

An exercise track, although no longer in use, could be reinvigorated.

Also included in the shed is a hot and cold horse-wash facility, vet crush, workshop, garage, storage and a kitchenette and bathroom.

"If anyone wanted to establish a home business, there is certainly plenty of room to do just that," Marlene said.

Separate to this area is a cat-boarding business which the Cains inherited.

"It is a nice little aside, which we enjoy, and provides a welcome service to the local community."

This space has potential for other uses. The Cains have rotationally cropped sections of the 32ha property which, with its sandy loam soils, could support olive or grape vines.

The property is watered by five dams (one spring fed) and the house by a 220,000L rain water tank. There's also the provision to connect to town water, but the Cains haven't had cause to.

Fresh as the day it was built, the 10-year-old home takes in 180 degree views of Port Phillip Bay and Melbourne's city skyline, peaking over native plantings along the property's boundary.

Large entertaining areas, including formal lounge and dining, casual dining, kitchen with two island bars and walk-in pantry and al-fresco dining, all make the most of the home's prime location atop a rise at the end of an olive-tree-lined drive.

"Everything is big here, including the views," Marlene said.

Churchill Lodge is minutes from Portarlington, 30 minutes' drive from Geelong and 90 minutes from Melbourne.