545 Kyneton Springhill Road

After driving through the undulating grassy hills from Kyneton, upon arrival at 545 Kyneton-Springhill Road, one is taken by surprise that among this sparse and rather rocky, yet beautiful area, there is an oasis of calm and solitude in the most magnificent botanic garden imaginable. Of the 27 acres, there are 5 well-fenced paddocks and 8-10 acres of gardens. This property is part of the OPEN GARDENS program and has been evolving since its inception more than 40 years ago. The magnificent mature European trees and Fotinias, almost meet overhead creating an avenue. At the end of this driveway there is a well laid out cluster of garden sheds, chicken runs and green houses, strategically placed around the rambling kitchen garden of vegetables, orchard fruits, berries etc. These gardens are organically fertilized thanks to the sheep, cattle and chickens. There are water tanks here to service this area. Other water tanks throughout the property bring a ready supply to all areas.The Upper Coliban is adjacent bordering the property like a huge lake. Meandering past the chicken and ducks, we come across the "man cave" which is a fully self-contained bungalow with B&B potential. If we look past this well hidden dwelling we can see the bluestone "ruins" of bygone days. This picturesque setting by the water would be the ideal setting for a wedding or for yoga contemplation. Going back towards the main residence we pass an enormous shed (18.5 X11.5)….full concrete floor and solar power. Amazingly, one does not notice these out-buildings due to the clever planting of various trees some 40 years ago. Back at the main residence, which is of solid cream brick construction, we walk past a very large art studio (25X25) and WC (great for gardeners) then into the house via the laundry /utility room into the spacious entry foyer. To the left is a family kitchen which has been constructed at a height above ground that all plumbing and pipes are accessible from the memorial garden, should the need arise. This is an all-electric kitchen warmed by a slow-combustion wood burner. There are abundant cupboards in the timber kitchen, and as we observe in the entire house, there are very high ceilings with art deco cornices and timber floors and dados of Tasmanian Oak. I am also struck by the amount of natural light in the building and the vast amount of storage cupboards and under-stairs space. Also, on the ground floor there is a sunroom, study, master bedroom Bathroom with bath and vanity, separate shower recess and WC. All tiled. There are two further bedrooms downstairs Up the solid oak stairway to 3 further bedrooms, (one heated by the flue of the kitchen wood-burner) and a bathroom with separate shower and WC. This upstairs area is of large enough proportions that one could create a sitting area or gallery with the windows looking over the terracotta tiles to the verdant garden. After touring the house, we go to another beautiful garden space with table and chairs under the canopy of trees and are not surprised to hear that George and Maryla's large family have enjoyed family gatherings, luncheons, and Christmases here. We go further, past the memorial garden, past another memorial garden for departed pets and along a magnificent avenue tree to a magical area with trees that were planted here more than a century ago….wonderful trees that have supported many treehouses, swings and adventurous climbers. This is a uniquely beautiful property. It may take some time for the right purchaser to find it. It must be bought by someone who loves gardens, majestic trees, and nature. Someone who requires a large home, whether it is to be used as dual-family accommodation, as a B&B, for weddings or most probably as a yoga or Zen retreat. There is already a Zen Garden in place.