AIM founder lists unique bush property

Media release - 6th November, 2015

A unique Snowy Mountains retreat built by Australian Institute of Music (AIM) founders, Peter and Athalie Calvo, has been listed for sale by Raine & Horne Snowy Mountains with $1.5 million expectations.

Located equidistant between Cooma and Jindabyne, the 440-acre property, known as Mirrabooka, was purchased by the Calvos in the 1980s.

AIM was founded by the Calvos in 1968, and has since grown to become Australia’s largest independent player in education and training for the music industry, performing arts and entertainment management fields.

Mrs Calvo has maintained Mirrabooka since her husband’s passing in 2011, but is now ready to pass it on to another family for the next era in its history.

“When we met Mrs Calvo, she told us that her husband Peter had seen an advertisement in the Sydney Morning Herald in 1982, showcasing this piece of land as a wonderful escape from the city, perfect for the businessman,” says selling agent and Raine & Horne Snowy Mountains principal, Marita Brandauer.

“Pretty soon after, they paid a visit to the property – and the rest, as they say, is history, with the couple going on to build their dream house on this unique piece of land.”

Situated on Varneys Range, parts of the property are at altitudes 1200m above sea level, with expansive views of snow-capped mountains on offer from the southern side of the property.

Apart from the 6-bedroom, 3-bathroom main residence, also included on the property is a Manager’s Cottage, originally built for an on-site family to manage the running of the property. Both residences feature their own in-ground swimming pools for use in the warmer months, while the main house also boasts underfloor heating, important during the snow season.

“By far the most unique part of the property is the observatory, which is a purpose-built chalet rigged up with a telescope and which includes its own kitchenette and bathroom,” adds Ms Brandauer.

“In many respects, this was the inspiration for the property’s name, as Mirrabooka is an Aboriginal word which roughly translates to ‘shining stars’.”

Ms Brandauer says the property offers distinct opportunities and potential due to its unique zoning, which creates a plethora of options for a discerning investor.

“This property would be perfect as a B&B or a yoga/wellness retreat, while it’s also suited for an urban farmer, equine enthusiasts, as a mountain bike adventure business or even a possible tourist development.”

Through November, Mirrabooka will be open for inspection on Saturdays from 10:30am to 2:30pm through prior arrangement with Raine & Horne Snowy Mountains. Due to the expansive nature of this property, at least 2 hours viewing time is required. Contact Raine & Horne Snowy Mountains on 02 6456 2999 or Matt Lowe on 0404 010 008 for further information or to arrange an inspection time. Alternatively, visit the property’s dedicated website, snowymountainsmirrabooka.wordpress.com/.

–ENDS–

For further media information contact:

Marita Brandauer, Principal, Raine & Horne Snowy Mountains on 0422 637 096