There are properties that offer seclusion, and then there is Penbryn. Tucked away at the very summit of sought-after Devonshire Lane, this extraordinary residence sits within one of Mount Macedon’s last remaining temperate rainforests, surrounded by towering Sequoia, ancient Douglas firs, and gardens steeped in history and seasonal beauty.
Set on nearly seven acres, Penbryn is a retreat of rare tranquillity and botanical richness. Its elevated position reveals long views toward the You Yangs, yet the true magic lies in the seclusion: winding stone paths, moss-covered garden walls, and a canopy alive with birdsong and filtered light. The land itself is rich, layered, and filled with potential, for peaceful living, bold restoration, or artistic reinvention.
The residence, crafted in the 1940s, draws from deep local roots. Timber panelling and leadlight windows salvaged from the original 19th-century homestead imbue the interiors with character and warmth. The layout flows around a sheltered central courtyard, with open fireplaces, wood-lined living spaces, and garden views at every turn.
Highlights include: three bedrooms, including a master retreat with private ensuite and walk-in robe; a beautiful country kitchen with recently installed Miele appliances, a generous island bench, and direct garden access; second modern bathroom with heated flooring; mudroom/laundry with heated flooring; hydronic heating throughout, plus double open fireplaces for mountain warmth.
Separate from the main home is a large barn structure with electricity and a wood-fired stove, perfect as a studio, workshop, or potential conversion into guest accommodation.
Nature is the lead actor here. Spring brings waves of daffodils, bluebells, and rhododendrons. In summer, the air remains cool beneath the trees. Autumn delivers a spectacular display of maple reds and golden yellows and in Winter, a soft dusting of snow occasionally settles, transforming the property into a woodland postcard. Exploring is a pleasure with a network of walking trails meandering through the gardens and bordering bushland.
Despite its forested solitude, Penbryn is less than an hour from Melbourne’s CBD and international airport. Schools, cafes, and local schools like Braemar College are all within easy reach, served by local coach routes.
Penbryn is a living landscape, one that invites restoration, imagination, and a return to a slower, more grounded way of life.
Disclaimer: Before you buy a home or vacant residential land, you should be aware of a range of issues that may affect that property and impose restrictions or obligations on you, if you buy it. Please refer to the due diligence checklist provided by Consumer Affairs Victoria at the website address detailed below. This checklist aims to help you identify whether any of these issues will affect you. The questions are a starting point only and you may need to seek professional advice to answer some of them.
www.consumer.vic.gov.au/housing/buying-and-selling-property/checklists/due-diligence
