The Farm.
Driven by a desire to leave the farm in a better state when they leave, if they ever leave, Annie and Susan have embarked on a program of re invention for the farm. Cleared of it’s magnificent forest trees in the 1850’s the farm has been used as a small scale organic farm for over 150 years. The original property was sub divided in the early 2000’s and Annie and Susan are the custodians of a 23 acre piece. This piece of the farm houses the original farm buildings and the scenic spring fed lake at the bottom of the hill.
Lyonville has rich, deep volcanic soil from which Annie and Susan work to carve out as self sustaining existence as they can. Over two acres is given over to the growing of fruit and vegetables, the produce from which supplies both the needs of Babbington Park events and Annie’s restaurant in nearby Trentham, du Fermier. As well as their sustenance crops, the farm also allows the growing of abundant blooms that are used to decorate both the Chapel and du Fermier. The growing of all the produce is supported by the closed loop practices of housing animals and poultry. Scraps from the garden and natural pastures feed the cows, goats and sheep, chickens, geese and ducks, in turn their bedding is used in the compost to allow the garden to be constantly replenished with nutrients with minimal working of the soil and no artificial additives. The animals and poultry chosen for the farm are either hardy breeds suited to the climatic conditions or breeds that are considered to be rare and in need of support.
Other than the recently renovated Chapel, buildings of note on the property are the 1870’s Shearing shed and the Federation farmhouse. The Shearing shed, as it is known, is a long term restoration project for Annie and Susan. The original bush pole shed was converted into a shearing shed at some time in the twentieth century. The shed had fallen into terrible disrepair over the decades and the restoration is long and painstaking. It’s beams and poles show the workings of a different century, a history that Annie and Susan are dedicated to preserving. When finally complete, it will offer exceptional views of the property and an extraordinary space to entertain in. Until then, it’s one piece at a time…
The Federation farmhouse, Annie and Susan’s home, looks proudly across the vistas. An ‘ordinary’ farmhouse of its time is one of great charm. Neither big nor flashy, the house exudes that sense of a quiet Australian farm that has quietly held its own for a century and a half.
