Noorilim is an iconic country estate which features one of the best private residences in Australia.
Known for its architectural grandeur, spectacular interiors and storied history, this exquisite Italianate mansion and diverse surrounding acreage is a glittering jewel in Victoria's real estate crown and the ultimate trophy property. Its one- kilometre frontage to the Goulburn River is complete with a beach.
Located in Victoria's thoroughbred racehorse breeding heartland, Noorilim operated as a distinguished stud farm in the early part of the 20th century and no fewer than three winners of Australia's greatest race, The Melbourne Cup, originated from the property. The 1910 cup winner and champion stallion Comedy King stood at Noorilim and is buried in the grounds beneath a giant Moreton Bay Fig.
Comprising 75ha of mature vineyards, sprawling botanic gardens with an ornamental lake and boathouse, rich pastures, a sandy beach and numerous historical outbuildings, Noorilim is positioned on the Goulburn River in the centre of Victoria, Australia's Garden State, within two hours of Melbourne by road, or 30 minutes by helicopter.
Noorilim is the magnum opus of architect James Gall who designed it in 1879 for parliamentarian William Winter-Irving. Built during a boom period when money flowed in Victoria as a result of the Gold Rush, its extraordinary craftsmanship and stupendous scale still evoke wonder more than 140 years later.
The mansion's imposing façade with majestic tower, elaborately arched verandahs, grand columns and balustrading complements the estate's meticulously tended gardens, adding to its timeless appeal.
20 rooms of immense proportions have soaring ceilings, rich ornamentation, ageless craftsmanship and opulent decor. Lavish interiors include a library, study, ten bedrooms, 15 fireplaces, seven staircases, servants' quarters, cellars and a minstrels' gallery where Australia's internationally renowned operatic soprano, Dame Nellie Melba, once sang to an enraptured audience.
The sheer grandeur and refinement begins in the grand hall, dominated by Corinthian columns, five metre ceilings, elaborate cornices and luminous Minton tiles laid by Italian artisans brought out especially for the commission.
Adjacent to the grand hall are the sitting room, library and dining room, all with full-height windows offering views onto the arched loggia. To the opposite side of the hall, hidden behind a wall are the main kitchen, scullery, pantry and staff quarters.
The library features an ornate fireplace, intricately embellished mouldings and damask wallpaper. The baronial dining room boasts an elaborate ceiling with detailed cornicing, richly embossed wallpaper, an ornate mirror above a black marble fireplace, vibrant red drapes and a table fit for entertaining royalty.
Atop Noorilim's grand main staircase, the spectacular master bedroom suite boasts rich red walls, a white marble fireplace and full-height windows with picturesque views of the estate.
Designed by William Guilfoyle circa 1880, renowned for his work on Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens, the majestic grounds feature more than 300 established trees, including ancient Moreton Bay figs, an Italian garden, circular rose garden with central fountain and expansive rolling lawns. The gardens are home to more than 150 species of native birds and mammals, whilst further afield 30 hectares of vines produce an annual harvest of Rhone grape varietals which the region is celebrated for. The gardens, vineyards and other agricultural pursuits are serviced by multiple machinery sheds and a modern pumphouse which is situated along Noorilim's Goulburn River frontage.
With just a handful of illustrious owners throughout its long and colourful history, and just two in the last half-century, this unique estate is now poised to embark on a new and exciting chapter.
