How the other half live

from w
Now I don't go around to auctions or look at property supplements much, but there was an article in today's Geelong Advertiser about a fabulous Tuscany-style property that was recently sold. Formal rows of fruit trees. A vineyard planted. A boulevard of imported marble virgins. Sphinxes. Illuminated arbour. Fountain. Fake lake. The dream was to build a fabulous home away from the city but the children apparently weren't so passionate about it. The house was never built! But the property was put up for sale - after $300,000 had been spent on the garden. Wow! How the other half live. The sale went for about $800,000 - and without a house!

This is how the property was advertised.

With its picturesque pathways, water features and an avenue of illuminated marble statues, this magnificent property of 9 acres (approx) presents a touch of Tuscany in the heart of the Bellarine. In a peaceful rural setting and boasting established grapevines and fruit trees, this sensational acreage is the opportunity of a lifetime.

Just moments away from Portarlington's golf course, beach and town centre, not to mention the peninsula's many wineries and other attractions, the property also contains a large studio/office with adjoining shed and workshop spaces. With fenced paddocks, a large dam, bore and desalination plant, this attractive package would suit any number of developments from agricultural application or hobby farm, to a rural residential lifestyle property of true grandeur. A planning permit has been issued to construct a 2 storey dwelling.
Arrange an inspection today, and let your dream come true!
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Then a couple of days ago Peceli and I went for a drive, this time to explore one side of Lake Connewarre from the Leopold side. We drove down a road that soon lost its tarseal, then a dirt road that looked like it would reach the lake. Alas, it was private property. The owner of a very nice house there soon told us that this was not public access and all along the lake front was private! I had assumed that edges of rivers and lakes are always accessible to the public but I was wrong.

Now, my mind then turned to wonder how current-day Aboriginal people must feel about land - that their great-great grandparents once had access to lakes and rivers for fishing and mussels. Lake Connewarre was once a place for Aboriginal camps. Hmmm. From the web - Campbell Point protrudes into Lake Connewarre and contains the oldest dated Aboriginal archaeological remains on the Bellarine Peninsula. The deposits have been dated at between 3600 and 5200 years old and are considered significant for their demonstration of shellfish gathering which was uncommon on the central coast of Victoria Next week is a special week to re-think our attitudes towards the First Australians. At least at many formal functions it has been customary to acknowledge the prior occupiers of our land, though a few days ago someone in government announced that this brief ceremony is now optional. Pity. It has been a good reminder.

Here is another property on the edge of Lake Connewarre.