This rural estate located in Thornton, two hours northeast of Melbourne, is a masterclass in innovative and contemporary lifestyle living.
The 378-hectare property, a renowned Hereford Poll stud farm, comprises of gently undulating river flats, rising to elevated pastures, with panoramic views over the Rubicon Valley and Cathedral Ranges.
The clients engaged luxury custom home builders Hedger Constructions to deliver an extensive estate complex comprising of a main homestead, a two-storey guesthouse and a three-bedroom managers residence. This stunning project has been finished to exacting standards and received widespread acclaim, including multiple Master Builders Association of Victoria (MBAV) awards.
The sprawling homestead is situated on an elevated garden site offering spectacular 360-degree valley views. “The house has a unique spatial organisation, designed as a series of gabled roof pavilions, connected via central light filled shared spaces”, reveals Steven Hedger, Director of Hedger Constructions. “This arrangement provides privacy and an aspect out to nature from all rooms, drawing views into the center of the house and enhancing the sense of connectivity to the landscape”.
The clients required a timeless design with an earthy palette of natural materials which optimised the use of texture to create visual interest. “Australian timber, rammed earth, stone, and polished concrete feature throughout the build”, confirms Steven, “enabling the home to sit in harmony with its country surroundings yet feel truly contemporary in design”.
Externally, soaring 3-metre-high rammed earth walls inlayed with panel insulation create a sense of strength to the build. “Made in situ, the rammed earth walls provide excellent thermal mass, temperature and noise control, and durability” says Steven, “They’re also low maintenance and highly fireproof, making them an excellent choice for regional homes”.
250 PFC steel perimeter beams were utilised to span the vast amount of glazing incorporated into the home, whilst also providing a design feature. The extensive floor to ceiling double-glazing package uses Capral framing systems to showcase the rural vistas. Custom profiled ship lapped spotted gum adds visual interest to the gabled areas, with a corrugated roof in zinc completing the natural aesthetic.
The same architectural features flow through to the adjacent lavish pool house. Bifold glass doors wrap around two sides of the pool house, transforming it into a flexible alfresco space, suitable for any season. “A full kitchen with Miele stainless-steel appliances, stone benchtops and abundant storage makes this the ideal location for outdoor entertaining” says Steven.
The 20-metre solar-heated in ground swimming pool with underwater lighting creates a dramatic centerpiece to this outdoor oasis. Thoughtful positioning of the pool provides direct access to the area from the main living space, master bedroom and private ensuite.
Within the homestead, a light-filled central gallery runs the length of the building, connecting the owners and guest wings to the central open plan living space. Throughout the interior rammed earth walls contribute a pared back, but highly detailed texture, providing a sense of tranquility, calm and wellbeing.
The living areas center on a bespoke fireplace design incorporating Cheminees Philippe wood heater in a surround of desert grey natural stone tile. “This sits on an elevated resin buffed concrete hearth with electronic under drawer storage and takes full advantage of the views to the pool area and beyond”, confirms Steven. Porcelain floor tiles, gently warmed with underfloor heating, ensure comfort. The adjacent formal dining space accommodates a 10-seat dining table, softly illuminated by a bespoke chandelier. From here, sliding doors provide access to the undercover outdoor dining area.
In the kitchen, “a large T-shaped marble island bench creates a functional and social space, integrating a full range of stainless-steel Miele products on one end, whilst also providing a 6-seat informal dining space at the opposing side”, says Steven. Accent pendant lights establish an intimate atmosphere, highlighting the luminescent veins of green and gold throughout the stone.
Bespoke custom cabinetry merges seamlessly with travertine benchtops, providing ample food preparation space. The butler’s pantry is discreetly positioned to conceal the working elements of the kitchen, whilst an integrated cool room next to the kitchen also allows for the owners to organise produce in advance when they are away for lengthy periods.
“Extensive use of solid spotted gum timber throughout the home adds to the natural feel, as evidenced in the bespoke joinery of the home office area” confirms Steven. Within the office there are two distinctive zones, providing personalised layouts for the occupants. The space also includes a boardroom table and informal meeting area, serviced by a kitchenette.
At either end of the open plan central zone are guest and private wings. In the guest wing, bedrooms feature rammed earth walls and external access to the palatial grounds. This area is serviced by an expansive bathroom including shower room and Candana fixtures.
Within the master wing, bedrooms are inviting, restful sanctuaries. Walk in robes provide ample custom cabinetry, whilst pendant lighting and fine textiles soften the built environment. “The ensuite, with floor to ceiling travertine tiles, creates a sense of openness, as do the louvred windows in the shower areas, that not only have a visual impact, but provide practical cross ventilation” says Steven. Twin vanities are placed at adjacent ends of the space, creating a privacy wall for the free-standing bath beyond. The bath area has been positioned to optimise valley views and can be privatised with the flick of a switch via external helioscreens.
A CBUS system and entertainment design were also a key priority for the owners. This innovative technology allows the electrical system to be automated, “including the security monitored front gate, over 2kms from the home”, reveals Steven. “Services are fully integrated and automated including lighting, slab heating, air conditioning, garage doors, thermal pool cover, audio and entertainment systems, and electric windows and blinds”.
The thermal qualities of the home fall well above the expectations of structure this size. Rammed earth, extensive insulation, double glazing and the use of sweeping north verandas add to the sustainable features of the home. A 50,000-litre water storage tank provides collection from the roof and is accompanied by a solar hot water system and bathroom fixtures to the highest rating. Helioscreening also allows shielding of windows during heat periods.
To achieve a home of this caliber, Hedger Constructions formed a dynamic relationship with the homeowners, who wished to be involved in the project as much as possible. “A significant amount of time was spent with owners in template design and presetting of fixtures, providing them with a definitive sense of what the completed works would look like”, confirms Steven. “This meticulous attention to detail played a huge role in the outstanding quality of the finished construction”.
Situated in one of Victoria’s most tightly held agricultural precincts, this exceptional property epitomises an idyllic rural lifestyle. The owner’s vision of state-of-the-art luxury living, delivered with artisan craftsmanship has been brilliantly realised with a contemporary homestead that truly transcends expectation.
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Image credits: Paul West Photography
