HISTORIC Rosemount in Southern Cross is one of the region’s first homesteads, and was built in two stages from 1854 to 1864 by Scotsman and early colonist James Anderson.
The weatherboard home, which has been in the Anderson family continuously until the current owners, is being offered for private sale through Homeseeka Real Estate.
Rosemount comprises three paddocks on five acres, with Yangery Creek frontage and stunning rural and ocean views (weather dependant). The one-acre house block, reached by a majestic elm tree-lined driveway, includes a number of original weatherboard cottages, outhouses and stables close to the home.
The homestead is situated in the midst of expansive, Guilfloyle-influenced gardens – a prominent feature of which is a 100-year old Monterey cypress, registered by the National Trust. A child’s delight for generations, the tree’s interior forms a natural cave, and countless children have climbed to the treehouse perched high inside its cavernous interior.
Nearby a huge vegetable patch as well as an orchard with a wide range of heritage fruit and nut trees, flourishes in the grounds which are sheltered by cypress hedges and watered by the property’s ample bore and rain water supply.

The impeccably maintained homestead retains all of its original features, while modern amenities such as electric heating, solar hot water, grid-connected solar electric panels, new bathroom and kitchen have been added without compromising the building’s integrity.
Outside, the freshly painted white early colonial style exterior features timber fretwork on the return verandah, and bay windows which retain the original glass panes.
The kitchen and meals area, situated in what was the original section built in 1854, features the original locally-sourced hardwood floors, cove ceilings, a Danish cast iron wood stove in the former kitchen fireplace, and the original renovated kitchen dresser.
The home’s six fireplaces retain their original mantles, and the dining room still features the carpet which was custom made to fit by the first Andersons.
Elaborate pelmets with pressed metal and gold leaf features adorn the dining and lounge rooms windows, while chandeliers hang from the rooms’ elaborate ceilings.
Electric convection and gas heaters keep the home cosy, while solar power boosts the home’s energy requirements.
Other notable features include a concreted cellar, a garden sprinkler system and an underground rain water tank.
Rosemount, located just five minutes to Koroit, Warrnambool airport and 10 minutes to Warrnambool or 15 mins to Port Fairy, is a truly unique property, ideal for anyone looking for a partly-self sufficient lifestyle with all the modern trappings.
Its numerous outhouses also offer prospective owners looking for an income-earning lifestyle a number of accommodation and/or hospitality development options.
Rosemount is for private sale through Homeseeka, and further details are available by contacting Anne Murphy on 0438 377 463.