‘Seven Oaks’ is the home of Toomah Wines. Owned since 1988 by Matt’s parents, Mary and Roger, the property is a historically significant  landmark in the Cardinia region.

Presently it is 560 acres, primarily beef cattle, except for the 20 acres under vine.

‘Seven Oaks’ was established in 1880 as the country residence of the Kitchens Family, of Lever and Kitchen fame (Velvet Soap etc). During it’s peak in the 1930s the property was the largest orchard in the southern hemisphere. From 1880 to 1930 the property became its’ own little community. Family cottages, women’s and men’s barracks, a school, hall and church were built, a total of 13 building, most lost to bushfires. Still standing are the Main House, where Mary and Roger reside complete with ballroom and magnificent gardens. The house and gardens have been lovingly and tastefully restored back to their former glory by Mary and Roger.

The Gatehouse, or Manager’s Residence, pictured,  is where Matt and Michelle live. Matt’s brother Pete resides in one of the original Gardener’s Cottages. Pete assists whenever he can with cellar door sales, in the vineyard and winery. Pete invented and manufactures round bale handlers, that assist farmers handling hay bales. (www.roundbalehanders.com)

The historic packing sheds have now been converted to the winery and barrel room.

The Carriage House is presently being restored, and between it and the Managers Residence is the Cellar Door. In 1880 Pakenham consisted of the pub ( a Cobb & Co stop) and ‘Seven Oaks’ so mail, wages and the gossip centered from this building affectionately called ‘The Post Office’.

In the centre of these buildings is a large area known as ‘the Village Green’. Michelle has visions of making the  ‘Village Green’ into a croquet lawn with a pergola by Autumn 2007. It will be a perfect venue to enjoy a glass of Toomah Wines with friends old and new.

Inside the cellar door are pictures showing the rich and detailed history of the farm. Research was undertaken by John Waterhouse, a history teacher at Beaconhills College, who has published two books about the farm’s history and his third will be launched by Spring 2007 (we hope). The  history books are for sale at the Cellar Door.

At Beaconhills College (at 22 Toomuc Valley Road), there are three restored school buildings, the Toomuc Valley School being the original building from the property.

With the launch of the third history book, plans are made for a special weekend of festivities. A highlight will be a bring your own picnic on the Village Green complete with some bush dancing into the early evening. Hence Michelle’s need for a pergola! See the ‘Events’ Page for up dates or email us to receive a special invitation.

Michelle is hoping to be quite daring (for someone so computer inept) and scan historic photos into the web site, so stay tuned!

 

 

 

History of ‘Seven Oaks’

Toomah Wines