Less than 10 minutes from Bacchus Marsh, the 1.21ha property at 10 McKenzie Court, Merrimu, is for sale.
From the outdoor dunny to the vintage wagons, Ned Kelly collectibles and the motorcycle parked next to the pool table, this Victorian home is as Aussie as they get.
Ross and Lee-Ann Huntley’s 1.21ha address in Merrimu north of Bacchus Marsh also has plenty of Collingwood memorabilia on display, restored historic wagons in a specially-built shed, antiques and even a pair of red gum miner’s cottages, plus windmills and a water wheel.
The Huntleys said when they first bought Woomala, meaning distant view, there was simply a house and tin shed on the land.
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They started adding vintage-style buildings and relics after a local builder, the late Gary Ryder, restored some wagons for them.
“It just sort of grew from there,” Ms Huntly said.
Across the years, they’ve renovated the main four-bedroom house and built two studios separate to the main abode, one with an integrated four-car garage.
Other additions include a circular fenced dog run for their four pet canines, a pool, eight-person spa, cabana, various sheds and the outdoor toilet.
The games and bar room displays Collingwood memorabilia, a pinball machine and a motorbike.
Ross and Lee-Ann Huntley have lived at their Merrimu home for 25 years. Picture: Wayne Taylor.
The couple have hosted plenty of family celebrations at the sprawling property, in addition to wedding photo sessions.
Ms and Mr Huntley, with one of their dogs, Rig. The property has a circular fenced dog run and kennels centred around a stringybark tree. Picture: Wayne Taylor.
“When the kids were growing up, they used to ride motorbikes around and they’d always have their friends over and have sleepovers,” Mr Huntly said.
At one time, about 15 motorcycles were on display in the games and billiards room, although some have since been sold.
The room also hosts an in-built wet bar, food prep room and utility area, a powder room, pool table and X-Files pinball machine.
The main kitchen is fitted with Tassie Myrtle cabinetry, granite benchtops, a Bosch oven and induction cooktop and an Asko dishwasher.
A frameless glass-fenced, salt-chlorinated pool, heated eight-person spa and a cabana make the house a popular venue for their children’s friends to visit.
Mr Huntly inherited many of antique tools and items on display from his family, while the couple also love Australian history and Ned Kelly.
But after 25 years, they’re selling the much loved home at 10 McKenzie Court, Merrimu, with a $2.7m-$2.95m range, in order to downsize at the same time as their grown-up children move out.
Ms Huntley said their favourite memories of Woomala included hosting up to 70 guests for milestone birthdays.
She loves the “good lounge” with a box bay window seat and fireplace, and a bedroom where her collection of roughly 200 Barbie dolls is on show.
The restored vintage farm wagons and equipment adds to Woomala’s country feel. Picture: Wayne Taylor.
The outdoor dunny is among numerous outdoor features such as a garage and workshop with a concrete floor, hoist, and wood-fuelled Ned Kelly heater; a powered clear-span caravan shed and garage; water tanks; and a fish-filled pond. Picture: Wayne Taylor.
The property is zoned to Darley Primary School and Bacchus Marsh College.
The couple are open to selling their historic relics, the pool table and pinball machine alongside the property, if a buyer is keen.
Woodards’ Chrisie Vardon said the property would suit multi-generational families and purchasers who loved hosting friends and relatives.
“It’s your own private oasis, it’s like a holiday away from Melbourne, but then you’re still so close to Melbourne,” Ms Vardon added.
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