By JESSE GRAHAM
A TASTE of history – and some of the valley’s best produce – is on offer to visitors tomorrow, as a redeveloped estate opens its doors for the first time in over 100 years.
The Coombe Melba Estate features historic outbuildings that belonged to world-famous opera singer, Dame Nellie Melba and redeveloped areas for tourists and wine lovers alike.
The estate opens its doors to the public for an official opening on Thursday 11 September, and visitors will be able to explore the grounds.
The restaurant and cellar door are all new features of the updated estate, and Melba’s own personal items and collections will be on display in the gallery.
However, the grounds will retain their original look for the most part, with original building facades and grounds remaining.
Manager of Coombe Cottage, Daniel Johnson, said Melba’s family, who still own the estate today, were hoping the redevelopment would help her legacy to live on.
“I’m hoping this is not just for the history buffs – what’d be really lovely would be that all demographics could come, learn, and find this really important,” he said.
“Melba was the most famous woman on the planet at the turn of the last century – that’s a fantastic achievement for her and for Australia.
“The most important thing, for us and for the family, is, when the gates finally open, people feel it’s worth the wait.”
Visitors will be able to access the special and expansive gardens around the grounds, which have been kept as they were in Melba’s day.
Tours will be run through the gardens beginning 27 October, including private tours for groups of more than 50, and all money raised from garden tours will go back to maintaining and restoring the historic estate.
The providore and cellar door will offer wines, flowers, fruits and vegetables grown on the grounds and at Coombe Farm, and exclusive Melba memorabilia will be sold on site.
The Melba Estate is open from Thursday to Monday, with garden tours beginning at 11am and 2pm, Wednesday to Sunday.
Garden tours cost $20 per person, with morning or afternoon tea included.
For more information, visit www.coombeyarravalley.com.au or call 9739 0173.
