Property access is via 15 Ridge Road, Kalorama.
Designed in 1974 and believed to be among the last homes designed by Alistair Knox, the visionary behind Victoria’s environmental building movement, this remarkable residence reflects his enduring belief that a home should grow from its landscape rather than sit upon it. Original architectural plans are available in full detail.
Set across more than an acre (approx. 5,198sqm), the home is embraced by mature gardens and expansive glazing that draws the surrounding greenery and distant Yarra Valley outlook indoors. Full moons rise over the ranges, hot-air balloons drift across the eastern horizon, and rosellas, parrots and kookaburras visit daily, with the occasional echidna making its way through this established landscape.
Arranged across three levels, the residence offers generous spaces for families to gather, retreat and grow. At its heart, the kitchen, meals and living zone is warm and textural, with concrete floors, a Coonara wood fire and rustic German schmear finish highlighting the original brickwork. The kitchen features a 900mm Smeg cooker, extensive preparation space and a concealed butler’s pantry incorporating the fridge, sink, work benches and laundry.
Four robed bedrooms and two bathrooms occupy the middle level, creating an ideal family zone, while the upper level is truly exceptional. An enormous living room rises beneath raked ceilings and clerestory windows, with a wall of glass framing treetops, gardens and the ranges beyond. The main bedroom shares this level, complemented by an expansive walk-in robe and spacious ensuite. A cleverly positioned study nook overlooks the open void beside the stairs.
Outside, the gardens feel like a natural extension of the home. Japanese maples, rhododendrons, ginkgo, tricolour beech, sugar maples and a West African tulip tree provide colour and texture throughout the seasons, while a remarkable collection of mature conifers includes rare and endangered dawn redwoods. A venerable sycamore and pine, believed to be more than 120 years old, stand proudly throughout the grounds.
Meandering paths lead to secluded corners, level garden pockets, a firepit and magnificent vistas towards Silvan Dam. Privately accessed from Ridge Road, the two-title configuration, extensive parking and turning areas add practical flexibility. A powered single garage includes an elevated storage room or potential office with its own impressive outlook.
Set within Kalorama’s tightly held hills community, the property is moments from the general store and post office and within walking distance of Destiny Point, Fiveways, Mount Dandenong Primary School, the Arboretum and bus services connecting to Croydon. Montrose, Mount Evelyn and Mount Dandenong Village are also within easy reach.
A rare combination of significant architecture, established landscape and family functionality, this is a home to grow into rather than out of. A true forever home, shaped by architecture, landscape and time.
At a glance:
• Alistair Knox-designed residence, built 1974
• Two titles, private Ridge Road access, approx. 5,198sqm
• Five bedrooms, three bathrooms plus dedicated study
• Four robed family bedrooms on the middle level
• Upper-level main suite with expansive WIR and ensuite
• Exceptional upper living room with raked ceilings, clerestory windows and expansive glazing
• Yarra Valley and Silvan Dam outlooks
• Kitchen/meals/living with concrete floors and Coonara wood fire
• German schmear finish to original brickwork
• 900mm Smeg cooker and concealed butler’s pantry/laundry
• Partial double glazing, solar panels, ducted heating, ceiling fans and ducted vacuum
• Established gardens with mature trees, rare conifers and 120+ year-old sycamore and pine
• Garden paths, level lawns, firepit and abundant birdlife
• Powered garage with upper storage room/potential office
• Extensive off-street parking and turning areas
• Two water tanks totalling approx. 5,000 litres, plus additional approx. 20,000-litre tank requiring bladder replacement
• Original architectural plans available
• Walk to Mount Dandenong Primary School, Arboretum, Fiveways and Destiny Point
• Easy access to surrounding Dandenong Ranges villages and transport
Disclaimer: All information provided has been obtained from sources we believe to be accurate, however, we cannot guarantee the information is accurate and we accept no liability for any errors or omissions (including but not limited to a property's land size, floor plans and size, building age and condition) Interested parties should make their own enquiries and obtain their own legal advice.
