38 Madigans Road, Chewton, Vic 3451

Once a bare paddock, this property has undergone decades of care and transformation. An acorn planted 45 years ago now stands as a majestic oak at the centre of the land, surrounded by scores of trees, underplanted by drifts of seasonal bulbs, it's a thriving habitat for native birds, frogs, and wildlife.

A biodiverse sanctuary that feels worlds away yet is just minutes from Chewton and an easy 7km drive to the heart of  Castlemaine.This two-bedroom, off-grid stone home was built by a master stonemason; inspired by the techniques of Frank Lloyd Wright, the extraordinary bookleaf stonework is hand-shaped and laid with intent.

The home rests on a north-south reef, forming a natural solid base on which its foundation stands.The north-facing living room with timber-lined cathedral ceiling flows to the dining area and kitchen with solid wood bench tops, a freestanding gas cooker and a walk-in pantry. This open-planned space is warmed by a wood heater, making it very cosy in winter. Each window frames different aspects of the landscape. A cleverly placed skylight softly lights mudbrick-rendered internal walls and timber floors. A servery window opens from the kitchen to a fully screened south-facing patio offering a beautiful outdoor dining space or tranquil bird-watching hideaway on long summer evenings.

Upstairs, the main bedroom offers a retreat-like atmosphere with office space, access to a sun-drenched north-facing deck, a walk-in robe, and a private south-facing balcony seasonally fragranced by abundant plantings of native Frangipanis. The second bedroom is on the ground floor, adjacent to a generous bathroom featuring slate floors, a deep bath,  a shower overhead, a vanity, and access directly to the garden.Set on approximately 5.1 acres, the property includes two dams, a seasonal creek, raised veggie gardens and extensive stone walls and steps that wind through the landscape. There is a cleared site ideal for future solar installation and three separate access points to the property. 

The property also features a charming mudbrick studio offering possibilities as guest accommodation, creative workspace, or retreat, complete with a separate bathroom and a cedar-lined sauna room.Private, peaceful, and deeply connected to the land, this is more than just a home. It is a handcrafted legacy and a rare opportunity to live lightly and meaningfully, just a stone's throw from Castlemaine and the train to Melbourne or Bendigo.