An original Alistair Knox home with updated kitchen and bathrooms, nestled in a private treed sanctuary.
There are houses that are simply places to live, and then there are homes that invite you to slow down, look around and find yet another reason to stay home.
This remarkable Alistair Knox-designed home is one of the latter. Rich in texture, history and architectural character, it brings together exposed Hawthorn bricks, floor-to-ceiling glass, exquisite leadlight features and reclaimed timbers salvaged from Melbourne's historic docks, including massive Oregon and red gum beams. Underfoot, the enduring beauty of Lakeland slate completes a home that feels both grounded in its natural surroundings and unmistakably individual.
Set within 6.4 acres (approx.) of beautifully landscaped grounds designed by Gordon Ford, the property feels like a world of its own. Mature greenery, open clearings and sweeping bushland create a wonderful balance of privacy and space, while a trout-stocked dam, ponds, water features and and designated barbecue area invite long lunches, relaxed entertaining and quiet afternoons outdoors.
The Yarra River is an integral part of the property's story, with private access to a tributary of the Yarra and historic water-pumping rights supported by established pumps and pipelines for irrigation.
From the generous Jarrah entertaining deck, sunrise views stretch towards the Dandenong Ranges, offering a beautiful reminder of just how special this setting is.
Inside, the home's generous, family-friendly layout makes the most of its warmth and character. A cosy sitting room sits alongside the kitchen, while expansive dining and living areas unfold between two substantial fireplaces at opposite ends of the home.
One has been enclosed behind a glass door, creating a wonderfully practical source of warmth through the cooler months without losing the pleasure of a real fire.
At the heart of it all is a thoughtfully designed contemporary kitchen that feels made for gathering. Expansive white stone benchtops, soft-close Blum cabinetry and a generous waterfall island are complemented by a freestanding Smeg cooker, concealed Miele dishwasher, Franke sink and integrated fridge and freezer - here quality fixtures offer simple pleasures. Equally suited to everyday family life and a house full of friends, it is a space where conversations linger and people naturally gravitate.
The main bedroom is a retreat in the truest sense: a peaceful, light-filled haven surrounded by windows, greenery and birdsong. Exposed Hawthorn brickwork and abundant natural light are signature Knox touches, while the spacious ensuite features stone benchtops and a beautiful historically sourced leadlight window. Two further bedrooms in the main house share a family bathroom finished with floor-to-ceiling tiles, matte black fittings and a walk-in shower. And then there is the extraordinary separate studio, perched high among the treetops.
Designed and built by Hamish Knox, this substantial addition brings an entirely different dimension to the property. Arrive via a second driveway, where barn doors open into an expansive four-car garage, complete with a cast-iron potbelly heater a dream workspace for a car enthusiast, craftsperson or anyone who appreciates room to tinker. An ornate spiral staircase leads upstairs to a self-contained treetop retreat, where lofty ceilings, exposed timber beams and a fresh white palette create a light-filled, wonderfully versatile space. With its own living area, bedroom, bathroom and kitchenette, it offers independence for teenagers or guests, or the makings of an inspiring artist's studio. Step onto the deck, settle in among the canopy and let the gentle sounds of the Yarra provide the soundtrack.
For all its sense of seclusion, this is a home that remains wonderfully connected. Warrandyte lies just across the river, or around a seven-minute drive away, while Kangaroo Ground is minutes away. Melbourne's CBD is under an hour by car, making it entirely possible to enjoy a slower, greener way of life without feeling removed from the city.
What makes this property so special is the way everything comes together: the unmistakable craftsmanship of Alistair Knox, the warmth of natural materials, the thoughtful additions, the established gardens and the rare privilege of a substantial private holding.
It is a home with history, soul and room to make it your own a place to gather, create, explore and retreat.
An extraordinary Alistair Knox home, where living amongst the trees and architectural character meet.
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