Our Story
Black Duck Farm has been the ‘labour of love’ of Tom Daffy and Deb Brown for the past 18 years and their passion to develop something truly special can be seen and felt in every aspect of the property. Initially a cow paddock with only 5 trees, it now boasts over 8,000 trees, well established gardens and an extensive array of home grown produce to enjoy.
Initially seeking a tree-change after living and working in central Melbourne and Sydney, Tom and Deb travelled the countryside to fulfil their dream with their list of criteria close at hand.
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PROPERTY
AMENITIES
A country escape to reconnect with nature
Manageable regional block between 10-20 acres
Impressive views that can be savoured from inside and out
Maximum travelling distance to/from Melbourne of 2 hours
Proximity to seaside locations within 30-40 mins
Minimum travel to a well-established town with good facilities
Access to good health care services
It was on one of their many searching adventures that they stumbled into Gippsland and found the lush green hills of Wooreen. The rest is history. After climbing the wire gate entry of an ‘unknown sized block’ displaying a ‘for Sale’ sign, they found themselves standing on a hillside taking in the exact vista they had imagined; a rippling dam with ducks below, lush green paddocks and a sublime view of rolling hills in every direction. The decision was made there and then.
Tom, already retired (Deb still working in Melbourne), immediately took on the task of replanting shrubs & trees around the property to regenerate the land and create natural habitat for local animal and birdlife and future firewood. Many thousands of trees were planted (Black Wood, Red/Blue Gum, She Oak, Manna Gum, Pine etc.) that now provide ample timber for the future, and a small central Australian native patch with a wandering pathway.
The formal garden areas followed and over the coming years they developed into a captivating garden landscape that offers an eclectic mix of garden walks and rooms, quirky themes and art installations. The gardens are truly impressive to wander and have frequently been shown for charity and regularly strolled by visiting guests and neighbours.
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BIRDLIFE
An incredible range of birdlife (over 25 species) can be enjoyed all year round including; Sparrows, Blue Wrens, Red & Yellow Finches, Rosella’s, colourful King Parrots, and a pair of majestic Eagles that frequently hover over head. The many flowers and native plants provide a welcome home to thousands of happy bees along with the nectar eating birds. Other wildlife is also abundant including echidna’s, kangaroos, wombats and koala’s, the later enjoying the specially planted manna gums for their eating pleasure. A small flock of Sheep graze the fenced off paddock areas to help manage the grass (around 12-20) and provide a close look at baby lambs when is season.
OLIVE GARDEN
Keen to reconnect with both nature and healthy living, significant investment was also made in the planting of an Orchard and Olive Grove. But, it didn’t stop there! With a long running passion for good wine, the infrastructure and planting of a thriving hobby vineyard (Pinot Noir and Shiraz) followed and was later complimented by the establishment of a small well-equipped winery. A well thought out Vegetable garden, within easy access of the house, along with an array of planted & potted herbs and spices, makes home cooking with fresh produce a must. The enjoyment of growing, producing and sharing fresh rich produce with family and friends has been a highlight and a pleasure.
MAIN HOUSE
The main house was custom built to take in the impressive views the location has to offer. The central living area of the house is designed with sliding glass doors facing north and south providing a seem-less transition with the inner and outer spaces and maximizing the views of the rolling green hills and gardens from both front and back decks and from within. The master bedroom, a large spacious retreat, boasts a corner positions with sublime views of the vineyards, forest and rolling landscape, including prime position to savor the picturesque sunsets. Currently a 2-bedroom home, with large entertaining area including a games room (with pool table), it was cleverly designed for easy transition to a 3-bedroom set up. The current guest bedroom acts as a separate suite, ideal for visiting guests/family.
PROPERTY LOCATION
Today the property sits comfortably in the ‘re-named Wooreen’ amidst an Avenue of Oaks that run the length of the property on Leongatha Yarragon Road. Opposite the well sign-posted front gates of Black Duck farm sits a community established commemorative plaque dedicated to the 1st World War where the residents gather for ceremonies and memorials annually. A unique sculpture carved into an old tree stump opposite recognizes and remembers the local ‘faces of the community’ who established the land many generations ago. Along with some infamous history surrounding the old Primary School opposite (as outlined in the book Day 9 at Wooreen), currently being renovated, Black Duck farm sits in ‘pride of place’ as the centerpiece of Wooreen.
