History Of Larundel
Larundel was established by A.A.A. Austin during the 1870s as part of his Narmbool run. The family also owned Barwon Park and Avalon. Beside their pastoral interests, the Austins were instrumental in the establishment of the Austin Hospital in Melbourne and the Geelong Botanical Gardens.
As well as being renowned for their business interests, the Austins were also lavish entertainers, at one stage playing host to both the Duke of Edinborough and the Duke of Clarence during their Australian visits.
Both the cocker spaniel and to their lesser accomplishment, the rabbit, were introduced into Australia by the Austins.
Larundel Today
Today, Larundel continues to operate as a working sheep station, albeit on a reduced scale of about 4,000 acres, producing super fine merino wool, prime lambs and crops of canola, wheat and barley. The 100 square historic Victorian homestead of bluestone and polychrome brick quarried from the property was meticulously restored in the late 1980s under the supervision of internationally renowned interior designer John Coote; a task painstakingly completed over an extensive three-year period. Conservationalists were employed to determine original paint and fabric finishes, fabrics to cover walls were sourced from London and Venice, and carpets were woven in England to a design dating back to the period of the homestead. Antique fittings and special pieces were sourced from around the world to complement Larundel's interior in the grand scale of its bygone era. The 50-acre homestead gardens were restored and further developed to encompass a new formal garden by internationally renowned landscape designer Paul Bangay. Indeed, more than 150 years after it was first established, Larundel has become one of Australia’s most significant private homesteads and gardens.
Larundel has developed a balanced enterprises mix to capitalize on its assets and resources in achieving balanced economic returns and growth. These enterprises include pastoral, horticulture, research and development, tourism, and lifestyle.
Larundel Gardens & Environs
The grounds include both formal English-style gardens and rolling green lawns, all of which are balanced with the natural environment – a serene mix of pastoral countryside, Henry Lawson-style bush scapes, spectacular rivers with white sandy beaches, and complete with woodlands, wetlands and grasslands. More than 150,000 indigenous trees and 3,000 English varieties have been planted throughout the estate in recent years in order to environmentally balance the estate and promote sustainable farming. A garden nursery and vineyard are also in the development stage. Perhaps the most recent significant addition to the garden, however, has been a first-generation Wollemi pine, one of the oldest and rarest trees in the world, which was purchased at a Sotheby’s auction and planted at Larundel to commemorate son William’s first birthday – the first ever to be planted in a private garden.
Perched high on Larundel Hill the homestead and gardens overlook a commanding and picturesque landscape offering a 360 degree view of the pastoral property and distant environs.
Profile
The property has been extensively featured in both national and international media, including Vogue Living, Australian Financial Review, Nine Network (the Nine News), Channel 10, and Seven network’s Australia Best Backyards, and in various newspapers and books including Country Estates of Australia by Janelle McCullough, and The Defined Garden by Paul Bangay.
Events
Various events are held annually on the property and on rare occasions the grounds are also opened to the general public, attracting crowds of up to 4,000 in any one weekend. The property is also available for limited special functions, location photographic shoots, media advertising, and up-market product launches.
Larundel Ecoresort
Six luxury cabins designed by internationally renowned resort architect Christopher Beckingham, designer of the new six star Hamilton Island resort, are planed for construction during 2008. These cabins built in bush settings some with river and some with sweeping s pastoral views, will provide the ultimate retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life, providing an environment of serene privacy and indulgence. Built from natural stone and timber indigenous to the area, these cabins will include state of the art fittings including Gaggenau appliances. An airstrip and helipad will provide fly in access for the aviation traveller and busy executive. Facilities are also provided for horses as Larundel and its surrounds provide excellent riding country. Within an easy half and a half hours drive from Melbourne, Larundel Ecoresort is the ideal weekend indulgence for those who just want to relax. True to the aboriginal meaning of the word, Larundel is truly the ultimate ‘resting place’.









