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Visitors cannot help but feel happy at this historic homestead with stunning formal gardens.

Set on 27ha, 697 Trotter Rd, Coomboona in Greater Shepparton city – is named “Yackatoon Gardens” meaning “happy place” among the area’s indigenous Yorta Yorta tribes.

Co-owner Carmel Arena said she purchased the homestead which dates back to the late 1800s-early 1900s about two decades ago when it was “quite run down” and spent years rebuilding the main residence with Victorian styling, including three chandeliers imported from France.

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Located near the Goulburn River, the site’s “typical red dairy” was renovated and extended into a second home and in-ground swimming pool and pool house installed.

“The house exceeded my expectations and we decided it needed a grand garden to go with it,” Ms Arena said.

Inspired by European gardens, Ms Arena said she decided to create an outdoor area with “massive hedges” and rooms defined by greenery, in contrast to the State Forest at Yackatoon’s boundary.

“From what was a cow paddock, I slowly but surely built it up as English-style gardens,” she said.

The garden’s large fountains were hand carved and imported from Italy and China.

Yackatoon Gardens hosts regular open gardens, weddings and events.

Ms Arena said the property, which has a greenhouse and four sheds, could be used as an Airbnb, a business like a yoga retreat or a private residence for an extended family.

Youngs & Co Real Estate director Glenn Young said that aside from the 6.5ha gardens, Yackatoon has farmland consisting of Shepparton Fine Sandy Loam soil “that can grow anything”.

“You can irrigate the 20.5ha and you can grow grapes, you can grow olives or you can run horses,” he said.

Mr Young said the “truly magnificent” property has a “massive man-made lake” with tall River gums in the background.

“It really is an oasis, once you’re in there, you can be forgiven for thinking you are anywhere,” he said.

The seven bedroom property is on the market for $6 million via expressions of interest.

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Originally published as From ‘cow paddock’ to garden paradise: Coomboona’s Yackatoon Gardens blossoms

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