The historic home of Australia’s second prime minister, Alfred Deakin, has been officially listed for sale, marking a significant moment for local heritage and community advocacy. The property, known as Ballara, is situated in Point Lonsdale and has been a focal point of a long-standing campaign aimed at ensuring it remains within public hands.
Constructed during Deakin’s second term as prime minister in 1907, Ballara served as an important retreat for the leader, where he could engage in reading, writing, and developing political ideas. His wife, Pattie Deakin, contributed to the property by designing its native gardens and establishing the Point Lonsdale War Memorial on the grounds. The estate has been preserved through generations, currently held by ten descendants who have been involved in discussions about its future.
Community Efforts to Preserve Heritage
In recent years, some family members have sought to sell their stake in the 1.68-hectare property. This led to a community-driven campaign advocating for the acquisition of Ballara for public use. According to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), a deadline has been set for the campaign following a request from one of the owners for a sale order.
Ballara has been valued at approximately $8 million, but family member Tom Harley reported that local supporters have raised $4 million in pledges, which includes contributions from the Borough of Queenscliffe and philanthropic organizations. Harley emphasized that a matching commitment from the Commonwealth is crucial to secure the property for community purposes.
Negotiations have progressed, with an agreement reached with Deakin University to manage Ballara for community use. Additionally, the family plans to establish a $500,000 trust to assist with the ongoing maintenance of the estate.
Significance of Ballara
The property is currently listed with price expectations ranging from $7.5 million to $8.25 million, with expressions of interest closing on December 9, 2023. Real estate agent Peter Lindeman of Elders Geelong described Ballara as a site of exceptional national, cultural, and environmental significance. He noted that the estate represents a unique blend of heritage, nature, and legacy.
“Offered for the first time in 117 years, this estate embodies the rare harmony of heritage, nature, and legacy,” Lindeman stated. He highlighted that owning Ballara means becoming a custodian of a story deeply woven into Australia’s history.
The property retains original furnishings, artworks, and photographs, preserving the essence of Deakin and his family’s legacy. Lindeman remarked, “Ballara is more than a home; it’s a living chapter of Australia’s history, crafted by Alfred and Pattie Deakin as their coastal sanctuary and place of reflection.”
With its expansive grounds, Ballara features a native garden showcasing she-oaks, grass trees, moonahs, and tea trees, which support heaths and rare orchids, making it a living museum of coastal flora and a vital remnant of the Bellarine heathland.
The future of Ballara now hinges on community support and government involvement. As the sale process unfolds, the hope remains that this significant piece of Australian heritage can be preserved for future generations.
