Buildings of Coolart and Rose Garden

The Coolart estate was a working property until the 1970s and visitors to Coolart can explore the Homestead, a notable Victorian mansion, and many historic outbuildings. In the grounds are the original kitchen garden and orchard.

Around the grounds and pathways of Coolart are the Stables, the Buttery, the Barracks, shearing sheds and historic farm equipment. The Friends of Coolart are working with the state government to ensure that these historic buildings are preserved and retained for future generations to enjoy.

The Homestead

Coolart Homestead was constructed in the latter years of the 19th century and is an excellent example of a late Victoria mansion built in the Second Empire style. It overlooks the very beautiful formal gardens of Coolart.

The building, which is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register, was designed by Melbourne architects Reed, Smart & Tappin for Frederick Sheppard Grimwade, who purchased the estate in 1895.

The wrap-around verandah, with its original lacework and tessellated tiles, leads to a wide main entry and into a grand reception foyer. Off this foyer are the formal reception rooms of Coolart: a morning room, a large sitting room and grand dining-room, each with fireplace. A generous timber staircase winds upstairs past an ornate leadlight window.

At one end of the ground floor are the original servants’ quarters and service areas of the house. Today, this area contains a large kitchen, sitting room and meeting room for groups that use Coolart including the Friends of Coolart.  This section of the house has its own staircase leading upstairs to what would once have been the servants sleeping quarters. Upstairs, off a wide landing, are the main bedrooms and an original bathroom. The house also has a three-storey tower with a mansard roof, one of its most prominent features, characteristic of the Second Empire architectural style.

In the main reception rooms is a photographic history of the Coolart estate, from its time as a pastoral lease-holding for farming and grazing, to its 20th century existence as a coastal retreat and stud for racehorses.

The Homestead is open to visitors each week on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11am – 3pm. While it has not been restored to a pristine condition in the manner of some Victorian heritage homes, it is an evocative house to enter, and the echoes of its inhabitants remain.

ROSE GARDEN DREAMING

Revitalising Our Heritage Rose Garden…

Nestled in the beautiful heritage gardens of Coolart, the rose garden has long been a cherished site known for its lovely blooms and historical significance. Over recent months, the garden has been undergoing careful renovation. The aim is to restore its beauty while respecting its rich past. Parks Victoria Ranger Horticulturalist, Eileen Rowe and Friends of Coolart Committee have worked together to create a plan to rejuvenate the rose garden.

The history
John Hawker’s 1993 report for the Coolart Committee of Management states that a circular rose garden was present near the current site during the Grimwade period (1895 – 1907). The existing garden was established by Gertrude and Thomas Luxton in 1938. David Mathews, curator of Footscray Gardens was employed to design the formal Coolart gardens, including a rose garden. The rose garden was extensively renovated in 2002 but has fallen into disrepair during ensuing years. The main problems being ingress of roots from cypress trees, poor water pressure and destruction of plants by rabbits and wallabies.

The plan
The priority is to renovate the garden beds: soil enrichment, raise the steel edging, install appropriate irrigation, repair old stone arbours and build a suitable heritage fence to protect the new plants.
The renovation process pays attention to sustainable practices, using organic compost and mulch to encourage healthy growth. Eileen has been meticulous in researching the history of Coolart’s rose garden. She has created a potential list of appropriate varieties and is investigating various sources of supply. Purchase of roses will commence this year and continue until 2028. New plants will be phased in over three winter planting seasons, 2026 – 2028. It is estimated that up to 120 new plants will be required. Ongoing rose-growing needs such as feeding, pruning, mulching and weeding will be maintained according to the seasons. Companion plants such as English Lavender, Seaside Daisies and Dogbane will be planted with the roses. Existing rose plants that are very old are likely to be retained. They are historically precious and have great character. Overall, the plan is to provide a beautiful restoration of this beloved space. With ongoing care, the rose garden will continue to inspire and delight into the future.

Funding

Progress – the hands-on work!
A renovation group was formed in April 2025. Marnee Wills, Andrew Giles, Shane Tremayne, and Loie Sharp have been meeting with Eileen regularly to advance the project. Friends of Coolart Committee has been exceptionally supportive and encouraging. Progress so far includes removing old cypress trees, rectifying water pressure, and putting up a temporary fence, all of which have made it possible to take further action recently. The provisional fence has served its purpose and is now removed. Interim planting (Lavender, Marguerite daisies, Seaside Daisies and Dogbane) in the inner beds has enhanced the area and some of these plants will be retained as appropriate. The ‘Garden Party’ working bee held on Friday supplies valuable people-power for work in the garden. Thank you Shane, Jane, Emma, Steve, Stacey and Howard. A further special contribution is from Plant Shop friend, Margaret. Margaret is currently propagating new plants from existing bushes. Many visitors are eager to observe how the project is progressing, reflecting strong community interest in its development. Always remember to stop and smell the roses!

“There is simply the rose; it is perfect every moment of its existence” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Of all flowers, methinks a rose is best” – William Shakespeare