Local Vic

Coombe – The Melba Estate

Welcome to Coombe – The Melba Estate, a place steeped in history and elegance. This enchanting property, once graced by the presence of Dame Nellie Melba, carries an air of timeless beauty and cultural significance.

Dame Nellie Melba, the operatic soprano whose portrait graces our $100 note, was born as Helen Porter Mitchell in Richmond on May 19, 1861. Despite captivating audiences around the world, she always found solace in her roots. In 1912, Coombe Cottage took form on the estate’s grounds, a haven preserved within the family since Dame Nellie’s passing in 1931.

Spanning seven acres, Coombe is a passage through history. Ownership now rests with Pamela, Lady Vestey’s grandsons: Lord Samuel Vestey and the Honourable Mark Vestey. Notably, the property opened its doors to restaurant and garden tours in 2017, inviting visitors to uncover the intimate corners of Melba’s life and absorb the elegance of her home. Restored meticulously, the facilities within the motor house and historic clock tower offer a glimpse into a refined past. Take a moment to admire the century-old gardens embraced by 600 meters of Cyprus hedges!

A statue of Dame Nellie Melba, sculpted by artist Peter Corlett and previously displayed at Docklands, now finds its eternal abode at the Coombe Yarra Valley Estate in Coldstream.

Savor a symphony of seasonal and estate-grown produce, served from morning to afternoon tea, six days a week. While indulging, embrace the modern yet intimate atmosphere of the restaurant overseen by the talented Chef Neil Cunningham. Through the conservatory, catch fleeting glimpses of the Coombe cottage garden avenue and Victoria’s oldest swimming pool, all while overlooking the vibrant market-style courtyard.

While other historic homes welcome the public, and the post-tour high tea might seem humble compared to other options, “A Glimpse of Melba” is an enriching and captivating experience, essential for those entranced by the legend of this opera star.

Website: https://coombeyarravalley.com.au
Address: Coombe is a 70-minute drive from the centre of Melbourne.
673-675 Maroondah Highway Coldstream VIC 3770

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About the author

A natural connector at heart, I believe in the power of authentic relationships and storytelling to bring people together. As a content creator, I specialize in crafting words that resonate deeply with readers, creating genuine connections through shared experiences and insights. While I run successful travel blogs that inspire wanderlust and cultural discovery, I’m equally driven to explore the inner landscape of wellness and mindfulness. Currently, I’m developing resources focused on wellness and mindfulness practices accessible to all ages, believing that mental well-being is a journey everyone deserves to embark upon. When I’m not writing or traveling, you’ll find me with my hands in the soil tending to my garden, lost in the pages of a good book, or engaged in creative pursuits that feed my soul. These quiet moments of reflection often become the seeds for my most authentic content.