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About Mickleham’s Marnong Estate. Offering something for everyone.
About Mickleham’s Marnong Estate. Offering something for everyone.
August 2020 in Events & Local Area
3AW’s Mark ‘Scorcher’ Davidson claims that Marnong Estate has put Mickleham on the map, and he’s not wrong!
Located just a 15-minute drive away from Peppercorn Hill, the historic mid-19th century homestead has been restored to its former glory and now houses a heritage resort, restaurant, vineyard and brewery.
We talked to Paul Boyko, Marnong Estate’s Marketing & Sales Manager, to learn a little more about the history of the property, the concept behind the business, and how it’s tackling the challenges of lockdown head on.
Tell us about the concept behind Marnong Estate and how long the business has been up and running?
Marnong Estate winery and homestead officially opened its gates to the public in 2018, after a lengthy restoration, and we’re incredibly proud to have created a world-class tourism facility, while focusing on sustainability and protecting the rich history of the homestead and its location.
The original family home of Victorian politician, William Angliss, we’re located just 20km from Melbourne Airport, on a substantial rural holding – 1,200 acres of farmland, and Marnong is actually still a privately-owned working farm.
Right now, the estate comprises: luxury accommodation – 4 suites in the historic homestead; conferencing facilities; a winery; a brewery; a café; and our fine dining restaurant, Bankvale Run which serves quality local and estate-grown produce and wine. Plus, a day spa is also scheduled to open the not too distant future.
For me, one of the best things about the revival of the existing homestead and the establishment of the integrated heritage resort facility, vineyard, brewery and agribusiness, is the real – and substantial, contribution Marnong Estate has made – and continues to make, to the local community. The authentic cultural and historical experience that we provide to visitors and guests is definitely the first of its kind in the region.
Tell us a little about the history of the property – the Marnong Homestead and Banks Run.
Green Grove, as it was originally known, started off in the 1840s as a portion of a run then called Bank Vale Run Station in Melbourne’s North, owned by William John Turner Clarke. Bank Vale lay some twenty miles north of Melbourne, to the east of the Deep Creek (or Saltwater River), and just beyond the site of what is now Mickleham.
This was Clarke’s first undertaking in a district. In less than two decades, he owned the freehold title to more than 100,000 acres. In the immediate area, however, by July 1841 he’d installed his brother Lewis on the small Plover Plains Run, which lay to the west of Bank Vale on the other side of the Deep Creek. And by the late 1840s, he’d also had taken over the Hill Head run which adjoined Plover Plains on the north. From contemporary descriptions, we think the present Marnong property is situated in what was probably the southwest part of this Run.
The original Marnong homestead was constructed in sections over some decades. The bluestone rear is the earliest part of the building, thought to have been constructed in the early to mid 1800s, while the homestead’s front half, built a little later, is substantially built of brick and its features are typical of later Victorian architecture.
Marnong Estate is a multi-faceted business comprising a restaurant, café, winery, hotel and event centre. How do all the moving parts come together?
Well, I think it’s because there is, literally, something for everyone at Marnong Estate. Our dedicated staff work incredibly closely with our clients to create unique events in the numerous spaces we offer. Whether it’s an engagement in The Atrium, a product launch hosted in The Angliss Room, maybe a wedding in our historical Shed, or perhaps a special birthday occasion in The Lounge private dining room, we’re able to fashion all of our spaces to suit our customer’s needs.
A stay in our luxuriously restored historic homestead surrounded by Victorian gardens and a flood-lit artificial clay tennis court offers up a truly unforgettable accommodation experience. And Bankvale Run Restaurant offers casual dining, incredible views and exceptional service. Our seasonal à la carte menu boasts fresh, organic produce from our farm and local producers. I am always telling all my friends, family, anyone who will listen really, to come in and try one of our wood fired pizzas or a Bankvale Angus steak while taking in the sweeping views – it’s a favourite destination with locals and the dining experience is one not to be missed!
Recently The Café opened in the central lawns, offering quicker menu options, making it an ideal place for families and friends to meet up.
How long have you been working for Marnong Estate and what is your role?
I’ve now been working at Marnong Estate as the Marketing and Sales Manager for just over a year. My role is primarily focused on creating and directing strategic initiatives and managing all our various client engagement platforms, which encompass both traditional sales and marketing strategies. I also oversee Marnong Estate’s social media channels. So, make sure you ‘like’ us and follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
What do you love most about your job?
For me, one of the best things about what I do is getting to work with people from all different walks of life. It’s allowed me to learn and gain knowledge from the life experiences of others. Hospitality is really such an amazing sector to work in – I get to host guests, co-manage an estate, run the venue and provide direction in a fast-paced environment where you are doing – literally, a huge variety of tasks every single day.
What is the most amusing thing that has ever happened to you at Marnong Estate?
Amongst the many animals on the farm, we maintain a herd of alpacas which are very popular with our guests. On one memorable occasion, the alpacas escaped from their paddock and were found roaming amongst the general public in the surrounding gardens – and they weren’t especially easy to herd up and get back into their rightful paddock! Certainly not a challenge that we have to deal with on a daily basis, thank goodness!
What is your ‘go to’ dish on the Barkvale Run menu…and your favourite wine from Marnong Estate?
My favourite dish on the menu is our Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder, with all the necessary side dishes to go with it. And nothing compliments this better than a glass of Marnong Estate Shiraz. But if I want something a little lighter, it’s hard to go past a Pizza Margarita enjoyed with a Marnong Estate Pinot Grigio.
What are your 3 favourite things to do in and around Donnybrook?
For nature lovers, a bush walk through Mount Ridley Nature Conservation Reserve is a fantastic way to embrace the Great Outdoors. I always enjoy a round of golf at the nearby Growling Frog Golf Course. And I never miss a visit to the Merrifield Market – open on the first Saturday of each month.
How has Marnong Estate responded to the challenges of COVID-19?
Well, there is no doubt that COVID-19 has posed a significant challenge, not just for our business but right across the hospitality and events industry generally.
Obviously, the safety of our staff, suppliers and customers remains our top priority. Like all businesses working in Food Service, Marnong Estate has been hit hard and we have needed to adapt. We are fortunate in that we have been able to keep The Café offering “grab & go” options going, as well a home delivery service.
We’ve also transformed the Cellar Door into a Farm Shop so we can support the local community that supports us. This has enabled customers to purchase locally grown produce including fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as milk, bread, grocery items, meat, fish and selected deli lines through our online click and collect option or home delivery service.
What are your top tips for surviving lockdown?
Our key priority has been and continues to be ensuring people’s safety and making sure we stay engaged with our customers. I’m also very focused on how we promote our updated offerings, making sure our business stays relevant, and managing cash flow, both of which will be critical to our survival. But regardless of what type of businesses you operate, I think it is vital to continually communicate with all your relevant stakeholders, maximise any government support available to you; and look at how you can build resilience in preparation for the new normal.
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