This article is from the November 2019 Horse Deals magazine.
Article written by Anna Sharply
Photo: Thomas Ryan
In part two of the Signature Property ‘The Spring Farm’, Horse Deals focuses on the beautiful and functional exterior of this unique 58-acre property owned by architect, property developer, and Warmblood enthusiast Daniel Ash.
There has been no stone unturned, or dollar spared in the design and execution of this elegant property in Victoria’s beautiful Yarra Valley.
The property is divided in to 26 paddocks of varying sizes, 14 of which have shelters. The size and shape of the paddocks is determined by the contours of the land and the waterways. “I did not have a concept in mind when I first came here,” explains Dan. “This property is really driven by the waterways. Three creeks run through and around the property and there were council issues with offsets for the waterways and it then was a matter of where we were allowed to build.”
‘Rascal’ in the garden. Photo: Julie Wilson
Both the indoor and especially the outdoor arenas are close to the barn. Photo: Julie Wilson
The wooden farm gates add to the sense of the English countryside as do the Belted Galloway cattle on the hill. Photo: Julie Wilson
There are three creeks that run through The Spring Farm and the paddocks and infrastructure had to be built around them according to council regulations. Photo: Julie Wilson
A view of the outside of the barn. Photo: Thomas Ryan
The 60m x 20m outdoor arena has a sand/euky mulch surface with pop up sprinklers around the outside. There are also huge mirrors at the end for checking your position. Photo: Julie Wilson
The one bedroom staff accommodation and garaging for cars or equipment. Photo: Julie Wilson
The indoor arena is 40m x 20m with a Geotec surface with lights and overhead mister sprinklers. The pitch on the roof is steeper than usual to give a sense of space and to ensure even light. A skylight runs the length of the roof in the middle to further add to the available light. Photo: Julie Wilson
A good view of the indoor with its central skylight and low energy LED lights. Photo: Julie Wilson
The 136,000 litre tank that collects the water from the barn and the indoor. Photo: Julie Wilson
There is an effective and attractive use of gabion support walls around the property. The hilly nature of the property and the position of the creeks determined the placement of buildings. Photo: Julie Wilson
Push button entry to the indoor eliminates the need to dismount. Notice the wonderful non slip rubber bricks. Photo: Julie Wilson
Even the horse washing has a special place for drying. Photo: Julie Wilson
Even the bins at the farm gate have their own stable. Photo: Julie Wilson
A view from the road looking in to The Spring Farm. Photo: Julie Wilson
There are 26 paddocks all up and of varying sizes and 14 have paddock boxes. The fencing is post and rail with electric offsets. Photo: Thomas Ryan
Paddocks and paddock boxes close to the barn. Photo: Julie Wilson
The lined wooden paddock shelters off the ground to allow drainage. Photo: Julie Wilson
The hilly property is located in the heart of the Yarra Yalley. Some of the paddock boxes are just shelters with a rook as pictured in the centre of this photograph. Photo: Julie Wilson
Portable rug rails and halter hooks are located near the gates of the paddocks. Photo: Julie Wilson
All the fences are protected by Equibraid electric fencing. Photo: Julie Wilson
This high wire electric fencing around the stallion paddocks allows just enough contact to be safe and healthy. Photo: Julie Wilson
An area off the outdoor arena with storage for wings, poles, cavaletti and arena rakes with slip rails for easy access onto the arena. Photo: Julie Wilson
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