This article is from the December 2020 Horse Deals magazine.
When Howard and Sally McDonald purchased 24 bare acres in Berwick, 41 kilometres south-east of Melbourne 20 years ago, they were looking at a rural idyll. Since that time the population of Berwick has doubled and the vistas of cow paddocks have been replaced by highly desirable rural subdivision. However, the elegant and careful development of the property into a wonderful home and horse heaven has isolated the family from the increasing Melbourne sprawl. It is from Hill Farm that daughter, Stephanie, now an FEI dressage rider, launched her serious equestrian career that began on the end of a lead rein, through showing, Western riding and now dressage. Hill Farm is not a professional barn, however, the horse facilities are outstanding, being both beautiful and functional.
The house and stables that have a French Provincial influence, are set well away from the road and protected by beautifully maintained post and rail paddocks. The two resident horses in work are successful Small Tour, Che de Jeu, by Voice out of a Jazz mare, that came from Edward Gal’s stable and newly arrived, Friedolin, Fidertanz/De Niro, a Grand Prix horse that came via European based Australian, Hayley Beresford. The new stable complex built in 2014 by Jarrod Tonks is a fitting residence for the two handsome Europeans and the McDonald’s tasteful additions have created a dream barn.
The external infrastructure provides a variety of turnout options, as Stephanie is keen for the horses to spend as much time out of the stables as possible. However, being “good doers,” access to unlimited spring grass is not advisable, so there is plenty of choice for restricted outdoor living.
Photos: Julie Wilson. Article: Anna Sharpley.
The new (c.2014) stable block.
Looking from the front gate up towards the house and stables. As can be seen, the well maintained paddocks ensure the privacy of the Hill Farm hub.
An aerial view of Hill Farm.
A view down the length of the stable block. Even Che de Jeu is posing. The chandelier adds a certain lux to the decor. The entire floor is covered with 10mm rubber matting, with 3cm cushioned rubber in the three 4m x 4m boxes.
A beautiful space between the stables to sit and discuss the day’s activities. A Peter Seymour Trompe L’Oeil is featured on the far wall.
Beautiful touches abound in the sitting room.
Stephanie’s childhood toy box is one of the delightful features in the barn sitting room. The French Bulldog statue would appeal to many.
Yes, we are still in the stables. Above is a portrait of Quarter Horse, Jannsen Midnight and below the cherrywood cabinet provides storage for bandages and boots.
Stephanie outside the stables with Che de Jeu and Friedolin.
Che, again, this time with his mate, Dudley the British Blue. The stables are all lined in timber.
The three 4m x 4m stables were made by Röwer & Rüb and imported from Germany. The panels are made from compressed bamboo. Particularly interesting are the long ventilation openings.
The inspiration for the tackroom comes from France. The elegant room was built in American Oak by Brentwood Kitchens in Berwick.
Another view of the elegant tackroom.
Stephanie getting Che de Jeu ready to ride. The tack up area is also the wash bay with non slip SureFoot Rubber Mats under foot.
And you thought your bathroom boasted plenty of toiletries! We are talking about seriously clean horses after a session in the wash bay.
Hares and horses are a decorative theme at Hill Farm.
This French, Christian Maas sculpture “Under The Moonlight” of two hares playing is one of the most charming we have ever seen.
Delightful Dudley, enjoying having his picture taken.
Both horses go out every day into a variety of paddocks. There are two large sand paddocks with a big, 4m x 4m lined loose box. The metal fencing (in this photo waiting to be painted) has rounded surfaces, is safe and cannot be chewed. In all there are five paddocks and six boxes.
Another view of the two sand paddocks, this time with the metal fence painted.
The 20m x 60m arena has a home made surface comprising, rye sand, Euci mulch and rubber pellets.
“Just grass, gravel and exotics” is how Sally describes the garden. However, it is just lovely. A view across some of the garden towards one of the grass paddocks. The grass paddocks are sometimes divided into smaller paddocks to restrict grass intake.
Stephanie and Che leave the arena after a successful training session. The hedge on the right hand side and at the far end of the arena provide protection from the weather and on the right ensure boundary privacy.
Retiree, Faberge, enjoying life.
The view looking down the drive from the house and stable area. (The sheep is a sculpture).
The pool house.
The beautiful pool surrounded by the Paul Bangay designed garden.
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