Photo: Christie's International Real Estate
It’s not often that a castle comes on the market here in Australia, especially one as beautiful and as storied as Overnewton Castle. Covered in Boston ivy, this magnificent 176-year-old castle is the epitome of old-world grandeur, and comes complete with a grand 150-person ballroom, a private chapel and verdant gardens. All of this is now on the market with a price tag of around $6 million.
With its candle snuffer roofs and overhanging corner turrets, Overnewton beautifully blends 16th-century English, Scottish and French architecture to create a storybook-like facade; one would be forgiven for thinking they’d arrived at a century-old castle in the Scottish Highlands. But, in reality, this jaw-dropping estate is just a 25-minute drive out of Melbourne CBD, in Keilor’s rolling hills.
Dating back to 1849, Overnewton Castle brought Scotsman William Taylor’s dream of a Scottish Baronial castle to life, and served as the pastoralist and mayor of Keilor’s extravagant family home until his death in 1903. Eventually, the castle was bought by Dr Lesley Norton in 1975, who revitalised the castle and then opened it up for high tea, historic tours and private functions.
On the market!
Positioned on 5.5 lush acres, Overnewton Castle feels a world away from the city, however, the landmark estate is located just 25 minutes from Melbourne CBD. In addition to the 35-room historic castle, the property also offers four renovated outbuildings; The Stables, The Loft, The Cabin and The Cottage, which sleep 26 people in total.
Overnewton Castle is listed with Christie’s and comes with a price guide of between $6 million and $6.6 million. Expressions of interest close on Friday, November 21.
Dr Norton’s daughter, Emma Stott, grew up in the castle and has been the managing director of Overnewton for more than a decade. In reflecting upon her childhood compared to that of William Taylor’s great-granddaughter, she told Melbourne West Tourism: “Life was very different for her than for me and my brothers and sisters. She was only allowed to come in or leave by the front door; there were separate entrances for the servants. We came and went however we wanted – doors, windows… They used bells to contact the servants; we used to just shout out and now we can use mobile phones if we can’t find someone.”
Surrounding the property are picturesque gardens and rolling lawns where ancient trees, including a 176-year-old oak, cast shade over the castle grounds. The property is also home to a number of renovated outbuildings, including The Stables, The Cottage, The Loft and The Cabin.
Before its official closure as an event venue in March 2026, Overnewton Castle is set to host its annual Scottish Festival on St Andrew’s Day, November 30, as well as a number of festive lunches and dinners in the lead-up to Christmas. In the meantime, the search for Overnewton’s new custodians – a lord or lady, if you will – continues.
