General News
19 May, 2026
Hopkins River mansion stars on ABC’s Restoration Australia
THE Ararat region’s newest visitor attraction, Berrambool Homestead at Wickliffe, will feature in the season opening episode of the ABC’s Restoration Australia television program on Thursday 21st May at 8pm.
Returning for Series 8, architecture expert Anthony Burke meets owners Neil Gibbs and Jane Marchment, taking viewers through the challenges of carefully restoring their 1864 historic bluestone Scottish Gothic-style mansion situated on the Hopkins River.
Taking possession of the property in 2022, the amateur renovators have stunned the local community, the TV producers and themselves by completing 21 rooms, floors, roofing, verandas, paving, and driveways as well as all new electrical, heating, cooling, and plumbing.
With seemingly no stone left unturned, Neil and Jane are understandably exhausted but thrilled that they have now moved in.
“We love living here and we are thankful for everyone’s support throughout the transformation of this beautiful heritage home,” Jane said.
Specialist craftspeople have played key roles in re-instating stonework, decorative timberwork, leadlight glass, unique plaster features, pressed metal ceilings, marble mantles, and even an authentic butler’s bell system.
To appreciate the massive volume of work in returning the property to its former glory, as well as going a level above with modern comforts, the results must be seen to be believed, hence the Restoration Australia journey which follows homeowners as they passionately restore heritage establishments on the brink of ruin.
Berrambool Homestead was built by John Moffat, who arrived in Australia in 1839 as a 22-year-old humble Scottish shepherd.
By the late 1850s he was one of Australia’s wealthiest individuals, with the crowning success of his notable life being to host Prince Alfred (Queen Victoria’s second son) in the first ever royal visit to Australia.
Over 40 years he accumulated a remarkable fortune and made a formidable contribution to settler-era architecture, commissioning Chatsworth House, Salt Creek (at Woorndoo) and Berrambool homesteads, and amassed an extraordinary land holding, including Hopkins Hill (Chatsworth) of 98,000 acres.
Neil and Jane intend to offer the wider community the opportunity to visit the homestead soon, with small group guided tours planned by appointment.
Until then, their future aspirations of building a walled garden to complement the house and restoring the stables and outbuildings will keep them motivated.
For inquiries call 0427 243 556.
Read More: Wickliffe