Historic Doogallook farm in central Victoria listed

Historic Doogallook, a 535 acre Yea farm, has been listed for sale.

The 6938 Goulburn Valley Highway property has been listed with $4 million plus hopes through Bart O'Sullivan and Peter Hawkins at Pat Rice and Hawkins.

The 260 hectare property on the Goulburn River flats was settled by pioneer pastoralist John Cotton in 1843.

John Cotton was born at Clapham Common, London, and after he married Susannah Edwards in 1843, with his wife, four sons, five daughters and some servants set sailed for Australia in the Parkfield.

Before he emigrated Cotton, a naturalist, had published The Resident Song Birds of Great Britain.

After arrival at Port Phillip, Cotton and his family spent time at Balham Hill in the Goulburn River valley with John's younger brother, Edward, who had arrived a short time before.

In late 1843 John took up the near-by station, Doogallook, then 26,800 acres (10,846 ha) with 1800 sheep and 400 cattle.

The next year he acquired Maintoongoon, 28,000 acres (11,331 ha), on the Delatite River.

The Australian Dictionary of Biography noted that by 1846 Cotton held more than sixty square miles (155 km²) and was expected to shear 10,000 sheep.

Cotton died in December 1849, leaving a widow who died in 1852, and ten children.

The restored 1840s solid brick residence has over 50 squares under roof, retaining its Victorian pastoral period feeling.

There are five bedrooms plus study.

It was last traded 22 years ago when bought by the French family.

The property, located about one hour from Melbourne, is scheduled for October 17 auction.