Reefton: $2.6m Yarra River stone home comes to market

A Coldstream stone castle surrounded by the Yarra River is on the market in Reefton with a price guide of $2.4m–$2.6m.
A $2.6m stone castle surrounded by the Yarra River in a historic gold rush has hit the market in Victoria’s Upper Yarra.
The Reefton site at 2055 Woods Point Rd is within the state’s old gold mining belt, where prospectors once worked the same stretch of river that now bisects the land.
Today, the 1.69ha site offers a private lifestyle defined by its natural boundary, the Yarra building both in the middle and on the protective edge, fed directly from the Upper Yarra Dam just up the road.
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At the center of the building is a Coldstream stone residence that selling agent Val Nichols said would be nearly impossible to restore today without major expense.
“It’s not veneer, it’s real stone,” said Mr Nichols.
“It’s incredibly strong. It’s a real architectural feat, building something like this now would cost a lot of money.”
A feature fireplace hosts the main living area, adding warmth to the country retreat.
The home is built of structural stone and heavy timber, creating what Mr Nichols describes as a true “castle structure” designed to last.
Inside, a cathedral ceiling rises above the main living space, where exposed timbers and a fireplace set the scene and bring the warmth that country buyers seek.
The building is split between two wings, offering flexibility for families, guests or multi-generational living, while still serving as a full-time residence.
The home includes three-phase power, solar power, battery storage and Starlink internet, allowing for full-time remote functionality.
A large three-stage capacity machinery shed also adds to its appeal, reflecting the previous owner’s background working on the site.
Cathedral ceilings and exposed timbers define the large living space within the stone-built residence.
“This is actually the second time I’ve sold this property,” said Mr. Nichols.
“The previous owners lived there for about 10 years, and the gentleman was an engineer, that’s why it includes a three-level shed.”
Despite its secluded location, the property sits just beyond Warburton and less than an hour from Lilydale, placing it within reach of Melbourne buyers looking for a weekend base or a permanent lifestyle change.
Mr Nichols said the river’s location remained a defining feature.
“The Yarra surrounds two sides of the area, and it’s incredibly peaceful,” he said.
The “castle style” home construction uses structural stone and heavy timber throughout.
“The water is clean because it comes directly from the Upper Yarra Dam. It’s a very special place.”
The surrounding area still carries the legacy of its gold past, with the Yarra River and nearby ravines long ago worked for deposits before the region later developed quartz reef mining operations.
That history now supports a tightly-held lifestyle market where properties rarely change hands and buyers often want to hold something different than traditional homes.
The Yarra River wraps around two sides of the Reefton property, creating a rare natural boundary.
Mr Nichols said interest rate movements were unlikely to deter buyers at the end of the market.
“At this level, consumers are established and financially secure,” he said.
“They’re not first-time home buyers, and high interest rates don’t affect them the same way.”
Instead, he said the property was likely to attract a Melbourne-based buyer looking to downsize.
“I see shopping as a way of life,” said Ms. Nichols.
“It’s a combination of the river that wraps around the land, the quality of the building, and the setting – there’s nothing else like it in the area.”
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