810 Henley Road

Bend Of Islands VIC 3097

Hidden deep within the rare and fiercely protected landscape of Bend of Islands, this is not just a property—it’s an agreement with nature. Here, fences dissolve, wildlife takes precedence, and the rhythm of the Yarra River quietly sets the tone for each day. Eight acres (approx.) of untouched bushland stretch around you, with your rear boundary tracing the river itself—an extraordinary privilege, made even rarer by private vehicle access right down to the water’s edge.

The approach sets the mood. A newly formed driveway winds you inward, peeling away the outside world until the home reveals itself—an architectural statement seemingly grown from the landscape rather than built upon it. Elevated on poles, it hovers lightly above the earth, designed with both reverence and imagination by the well-known local designer Robert Laughlin.

Step onto the wraparound veranda and the first thing you notice is silence—the kind that feels full rather than empty. Then come the details: soaring ceilings, rich hardwood floors underfoot, and a sense of space that unfolds in unexpected geometry. The lounge is a showpiece, crowned by a striking hexagonal cathedral ceiling, anchored by a wood fire that does more than warm—it fuels the hydronic heating that flows throughout the home. From here, doors open wide to a north-facing deck where the valley stretches out in a quiet, breathtaking panorama.

The kitchen doesn’t whisper; it invites. Expansive timber benches, generous cabinetry, a central island, and quality appliances—including a Bosch dishwasher—create a space where cooking feels less like a task and more like a ritual, always connected to the living zone beyond.

Two separate bedroom wings offer both retreat and flexibility. To the east, the main suite curves gently into its own near-hexagonal form, opening onto the veranda, complete with walk-in robe and a calm, leafy outlook. Additional bedrooms here offer space for family or work-from-home needs. To the west, three more substantial bedrooms echo the home’s natural material palette—warm, grounded, and quietly generous.

Downstairs, a fully self-contained apartment opens up possibilities: extended family, guests, or even a private creative escape. With its own kitchenette, bathroom, lounge, and deck flowing toward an outdoor entertaining area and fire pit, it feels like a home within a home.

And then there’s the infrastructure—the unseen backbone of a truly sustainable lifestyle. A substantial solar array (installed just a few years ago), three large water tanks, and a low-maintenance septic system mean you’re largely off-grid, yet still comfortably connected with reliable power and strong internet.

Outside, a thoughtfully shaped garden framed by large natural stone leads to a built-in wood barbecue area, perfect for long, unhurried evenings under open skies. For children, this land becomes a living playground—caves, bush trails, and endless places to explore.

“River Dreams” isn’t trying to impress in the usual ways. It doesn’t need to. It offers something far rarer: privacy without isolation, sustainability without compromise, and a daily life shaped by one of Victoria’s most unique environments.

Some properties are bought. Others are experienced. This one stays with you.