AN English-style manor with a fascinating history dating back to the early 20th century entered the rural property market this week, with an asking price of $795,000.
Situated at Yellingbo in Victoria’s iconic Yarra Valley, Tudor Lodge was established in 1926 by a Mr Kitchener, who was an adventurous New Zealand Sea Captain.
He decided to base the homestead on his wife’s old home in England and incorporated a majestic ballroom with a stage for a band.
This extraordinary room was included for Mr Kitchener’s lucky daughter, Eva, who also ran a business for boarding young ladies that wished to learn piano and dance.
Over the next 80 years the home has undergone a number of name changes, including Yellingbo House, Winston Lodge and the name as it stands today - Tudor Lodge.
In the devastating recession of the 1930s, the graceful home was sold to the Douglas family who enjoyed both a swimming pool and tennis court.
These are no longer, however with almost 0.8 hectares there is plenty of room to recreate them.
On Christmas Eve 1974 Police arrested John Stonehouse at Tudor Lodge, who was a British MP that had faked his own disappearance after leaving a pile of cloths on a Miami Beach in the United States.
After an exhaustive three month man-hunt, investigators finally tracked Mr Stonehouse down at Tudor Lodge where he had been for some time a guest of the owners.
In the 1990s the home was owned by the renowned artist John Duncan-Firth who used the ballroom as a gallery.
The home has also been used by a rock band as a recording studio and for weddings and accommodation.
The home comprises four bedrooms and an office, five bathrooms, two living areas, a modern kitchen and basement laundry.
As well as the renovated kitchen and bathrooms, Tudor Lodge has some double glazing and central heating, a split system and wood heater has been added making this a very comfortable and livable home.
Sitting within a beautiful established garden, the property has a circular driveway with auto wrought iron gates, double lock up garage/workshop, garden shed and a pony paddock that leads down to the Woori Yallock Creek.
Built in the Tudor style, this iconic home was constructed to last the centuries and features include incredibly high ceiling, balconies off all bedrooms and a character that makes it one of a kind.
Selling agent Andrew Houghton, RT Edgar, said the vendors are genuine and have reduced the asking price for $880,000 down to $795,000.
