There is something about Taradale that gets under your skin - the historic churches on the hill, the grand viaduct, the rolling countryside, the sense that life here still moves at a human pace. At 36 Roderick Street, you get to be part of that story from a home that feels exactly right for its setting - a quintessential country cottage on a generous, fully fenced block.
Elevated and lovely to look at, this transported weatherboard home has all the charm you hope for - a bullnose veranda, bay window and a warm, welcoming feel from the moment you arrive. Freshly painted inside and out, it feels bright, cared for and ready to enjoy. Inside, timber and slate floors bring character, while the floorplan offers flexibility for families, downsizers and tree changers who still want room to potter, plant and breathe.
The heart of the home is the enormous living room. With a central wood fire, split system heating/cooling, plenty of room for both lounging and dining, doors opening out to the deck and the kitchen looking on, it is the kind of space that makes everyday life feel easy. The soft sage green kitchen is a lovely spot to cook, filled with natural light from its sloped panelled ceiling with skylight, with loads of bench space and a beautiful outlook to the backyard so you can keep an eye on kids, pets or whatever is growing in the garden.
Three bedrooms, all with built in robes, run along the eastern side of the home. Two sit at the front, close to the family bathroom complete with bath, shower and toilet, while the main bedroom is tucked away at the rear with its own ensuite and a sunny sitting area that feels like a quiet little exhale at the end of the day.
Then there is the bonus that makes this property even more compelling - the shed and separate studio setup in the western corner of the block. The shed has double roller doors and space for around 4 vehicles, while the adjoining studio includes its own air conditioning, powder room and laundry. Whether you need a 4th bedroom, a work-from-home office, a creative studio or consulting space, it is ready to adapt to your needs.
Outside, the block is flat, usable and full of possibility. There is room here for veggie beds, orchard, a game of cricket, pets to roam, kids to run or even a future pool if that is on the wish list. Town water is connected and there is also a rainwater tank capturing off the shed.
And then there is the lifestyle. Taradale may have once been a bustling gold mining town, but these days it wears its history lightly and beautifully. It is a town with heart - where locals gather around the school, celebrate the annual Mineral Springs Festival with gusto, settle in for a chinwag at Taradale Wine & Produce and get creative at OxArt pottery. Malmsbury Railway Station is just 6 minute drive away for an easy train commute to Melbourne, while Kyneton is less than 15 minutes away, Castlemaine around 17 minutes and Bendigo approximately 35 minutes via easy Calder Freeway access.
This is the kind of property people picture when they say they want to move to the country - practical, peaceful and full of room to live well.
