Interested in a lifestyle change? How about being the smallest ( one acre) and highest (365 metres) licensed wine producer in WA.
Situated only 2 hours from Perth, Southern Stars is a beautiful 30 acre property comprising a stunning home , a 150 square metre general purpose shed (which also houses a small winery), sheep yards and an easily managed 1 acre vineyard. The balance consists of a 5 acre pasture paddock (horses ?) and 21 acres of "parkland" habitat trees.
The home paddock contains spectacular granite outcrops which add to the ambience. The property is conveniently on a school bus route.
Nearby Narrogin, only 11 kilometers away, is a major centre with amenities including a fully equipped and upgraded district hospital and associated health care services. There is a broad variety of clubs catering for active sports such as hockey, tennis, golf, bowls, croquet, power flying and gliding, skeet & sporting shooters as well as art related groups comprising music, theatre and visual arts. Education is provided by Narrogin, East Narrogin and St. Matthews primary schools, Narrogin Senior High school, Narrogin Agricultural College and TAFE.
1. The home.
Solar passive design with high ceilings to entry and main living areas. Brick & cedar construction using "reverse brick veneer" principles to limit heat ingress in summer while capturing internal heat during winter.
The kitchen is a modern galley type with the innovative Isodrive Schweigen ducted range hood, complimented by a 90 cm gas cooktop & electric oven. Natural light enters via an 1,800 x 600 glass brick window. The expansive open plan living, dining and lounge area enjoys a northerly "glass wall" which allows winter sun to penetrate up to six metres to warm the concrete floor with it's specialized, architectural seamless surface. Summer sun does not enter the home and with no west-facing glass, the interior maintains a comfortable temperature. A Fujitsu cassette type air conditioner (10 kW cooling, 11.2 kW heating) provides additional climate control, if needed.
The master bedroom has two walk-in robes and a three way bathroom with adjacent linen cupboard.
A guest bedroom includes an en-suite shower & toilet.
The third bedroom can also double as a study.
A fifty square metre south-facing deck, with high gable lined roof is the perfect retreat for a summer afternoon and evening, especially when the "Albany Doctor" makes it's reliable house call! The laundry door opens to a decked drying court and double car port. Because the drying court is under cover, a clothes dryer is unnecessary.
A gardening area, under the main roof is adjacent to a number of fruit trees and raised garden beds.
2. Vineyard & Winery.
Southern Stars represents a modern alternative "work from home" opportunity which, together with the wine Producer's Licence, offers a lifestyle unlike any other; a hobby that pays it's way.
Details.
1. Vineyard
At 360 metres altitude, Southern Stars is arguably the highest vineyard in WA. Varieties are Shiraz, Chardonnay, Cabernet and Merlot.
Vines orientation is North-South. Summer nights are cooled by the "Albany Doctor". Due to various "terroir" factors, vintage is relatively late, normally taking place in April.
- bird netting included.
- 25 litre Sylvan sprayer.
2. Winery & Licence
The small, insulated, winery is fully equipped with:
- open fermenters (with lids)
- crusher/destemmer
- plate filter
- Basket press
- single head bottling set up with in line filter
- 1,600 L bulk wine storage (30 L, 60L,190L & 200 L)
- pallet truck.
3. Producer's Licence
4. Registered Trade Mark (Southern Stars)
Because of the small size of the winemaking operation we have not opted for a cellar door but sell through several Farmer's Markets, community fairs and local, repeat customers.
