EURAMBEEN homestead owner Sarah Beaumont enjoys watching all the little critters who tentatively approach the restored water feature while she eats breakfast.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Even a cunning fox crept up for a dip.
The pond, complete with replica fountain, delivers on a promise Ms Beaumont made after property’s first open garden two years ago – she would bring the pond back to life by the time Eurambeen opened to the public once more.
And it proved a massive job, needing a complete rebuild. Wisteria had worked its way into the base, its grasp gradually ripping up what had been a spot of beauty.
Eurambeen has been a six-year labour of love for Ms Beaumont and her partner Ian Glover who were captivated by the property, on the outskirts of Beaufort, from the moment they first found it. Ever since, their work to bring Eurambeen back to life after decades of neglect has been a twisting and turning journey of surprises.
So much has transformed in the two years since Eurambeen since the public first had a glimpse at what had been a secret garden home.
The Woolshed with incredible sweeping views over the farm has fast become a popular venue for wedding receptions, conferences and yoga. Three cottages, including the old schoolhouse, add to accommodation offerings and the Edna Walling garden is coming back to life. International tour groups, particularly the English, make the journey to take a turn around the gardens.
“This is a very famous garden but no-one has really realised how famous it was,” Ms Beaumont said. “I love seeing people’s faces when they come here.”
The accidental discoveries, like the colour of African daisies under olive trees in the Lower Walling Garden, or unexpected irises unfurling, offer a new delight each day. Ms Beaumont said the garden – at its height in the 1930s – is not quite right just yet, but each day is closer to how Ms Beaumont, with help from State Library Victoria, imagined.
Mr Glover grows most plants from seed. He adds his own touch with quirky metal sculptures. Ms Beaumont enjoys seeing cuttings from family and friends flourish.
Creating an Australian native garden is next on their to-do list. Ms Beaumont said international visitors were keen to learn about Australian plants. How this might look is a secret, until Eurambeen opens next.
Emerging artists, rich history on show
DEEP in the cool cellar you will find Eurambeen Homestead unfolding history told in photos through the ages.
The homestead was built in 1850 as part of the larger Mount Cole Station and extended in 1927. Original bluestone is tucked between new wings for a kitchen nursery and a round room.
For so long, Eurambeen was part of the Beggs family and boasts a rich pastoral history. The past six years, under owners Sarah Beaumont and Ian Glover, Eurambeen is gradually being restored as a place to share.
A restored water pond, brought back from complete disrepair, is the headline feature for this open garden.
“I keep looking at photos and I can’t believe we did it,” Ms Beaumont said. “This was a massive task….There is something special about having the sound of water in the garden, it immediately makes you feel better.”
The second biennial Eurambeen Open Garden is a chance to show progress made on the property and to celebrate serene surrounds in a country day out.
Emerging artists and musicians from across the region will be peppered about the gardens with artists at work, taking inspiration from spring blooms. This is also a chance for guest to interact with artists ahead of a silent auction, with all proceeds going direct to the artists.
Ms Beaumont wanted people to spend time absorbing the garden, perhaps taking up a chair by the restored water feature or making a picnic on the lawns. Most of all, Ms Beaumont hoped this was a day out for people to relax.
Garden tours and history talks are available. Then open garden will be held in partnership with Mount Mitchell estate in Lexton, encouraging guests to make the looped trip from Ballarat.
Eurambeen open garden is November 10-11. Details: eurambeen.com.au.
Have you signed up to The Courier's variety of news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in Ballarat.