1004 Tara Loop Road, Ilford
Kaye Moore

Tara Loop Road, as the name suggests, has two entrances. Take the first entrance if coming from Sofala; the second entrance if coming from Ilford. Look for the flags. 

Set high on a hill above the Ilford countryside, ‘Redbank’ is protected by an avenue of pine trees and has spectacular views to Coomber Mountain and beyond. Kaye and her husband Barrie (deceased) settled here in 1964, built their house and established a pastoral property that currently runs 1800 sheep and 30 cattle. 

The garden surrounding the house is an ornate cottage garden with whimsical elements, and will reward careful scrutiny. Follow paths, wander, pause, smell and touch. Note the rich, fertile vegetable garden, the patio protecting rare plants, the various clematis climbing over structures. You will eventually come across Kaye’s 50 or so chooks, mainly Isa Browns and White Leghorns, and if you walk out into the paddock you will see the breeding pen. Can you identify the amazing number of fruit trees including passionfruit, kiwi fruit, pomegranate, persimmon, Cox’s pippin apple, lime and blood orange as well as numerous citrus, stone and seed fruit? 

Refreshments: Tea, coffee and Kaye’s cornflake cookies available upon request