Flint Hill, Woodend retreat reserve at $7 million

Flint Hill, the 27 hectare Woodend retreat owned by businessman Sir Roderick Carnegie since 1980, has been listed for November 24 auction.

The historic, stately estate with woodland garden has been listed through Kay & Burton agent Gerald Delany in conjunction with John Keating, who assisted the Carnegie's secure the property after its 1979 auction.

On its initial listing in November last year more than $8 million was tipped, but now it will go to auction with a disclosed $7 million reserve price.

Sir Roderick Carnegie, who turns 84 later this month, was a prominent Australian businessman, primarily working in the coal industry, interrupted in the 1960s when he founded the Australian practice of McKinsey in Melbourne. In 1972 he joined CRA Limited (now Rio Tinto) as finance director serving as managing director from 1974 to 1986, and also as its chairman.

The estate was a grand vision beginning in the 1930's by the Brookes family with its original rhododendrons grown from seed from the Rothschilds at Exbury.

Their son John Brookes sold Flint Hill after compiling his gardening memoir, Flint Hill 1922-1955.

When the Carnegie's Rod and Carmen, bought Flint Hill in 1980 the property had become neglected overrun with blackberries.

This article was first published in the Weekend Australian Mansion Australia property section.