Vale Hill House
Vale Hill farmĀ is split over two locations. The orchards and vegetable plots are located at Vale Hill, Ullina while the cattle and sheep are just down the road at Woodhouse Hill. We brought Vale Hill in 2005 which included the ruins of the original 1860’s homestead. After a massive building project, we restored the old homestead which is where we live today.
Hi,
I’ve just learned that Vale Hill was apparently built by my ancestor (Peter McRorie 1803-1895). I’d heard that there was some family history around Smeaton, but this is the first I’d heard of a whole building and I find it even more special given we live reasonably close by in Woodend.
So I just wanted to say that I’m really thankful that you’ve restored/rebuilt it and I like the way you’re showing appreciation for the old while also incorporating modern aspects.
Thanks so much for you work!
Anna Haines.
Hi Anna,
How wonderful to hear from you and to read that we are now living in your relatives house. If you would like to learn more about the restoration of Vale Hill, you can watch us on an episode of Dream Build, a series that is aired on ABC. This is the episode that we appeared in here http://www.abc.net.au/tv/dreambuild/episodes/ep03.htm (Episode 3 of Series 1).
We have a little more information on your family that may be of interest to you so I will send you through a separate email also.
Thanks Anna
Chris and Wayne
Hi Chris and Wayne,
We love the drive from Clunes to Daylesford and especially love your place which stands out in the middle of nowhere, it is spectacular. It was great to do a search on google and youtube and find out the transformation and work that you put into the place. Amazing.
Daniel
Thanks Daniel,
We have put a lot of hard work and effort into the restoration and it’s nice to get such great feedback! Our focus at the moment is on developing the gardens & grounds surrounding the house.There’s always something else to be done!
Thanks again
Wayne and Chris
Hi Chris & Wayne, first I would like to say I absolutely love what you have achieved with your gorgeous house.
My fathers family came from Ullina & Clunes and their old house was situated in the bottom right of your property looking from the Daylesford/Clunes rd. There is a very tall tree( which has a little story of its own) and as of today we have seen many gum trees have been planted there also.
A long shot I know but I was wondering in your research whether you came across any extra info we may not have of the Oliver’s that lived there or possibly any photos. We do know quite a bit ourselves but thought it was worth a shot since it was so close to your house. Kind regard Kate Oliver-Cunnington