827 English Road

Lethbridge VIC 3332

It's there from beginning right through to its final touches. Even beforehand there is a prelude to what's to come since the home is set in 11 acres where the meandering driveway and its wooded surrounds are offset by some 2000 recently planted trees as well as an orchard and an established vegetable garden. These, in themselves, add up to a delightful retreat - all augmented by the self-sufficient 22.5m x 15.1 x 4.2 metre shed come /workshop.
A bonus for those with development in mind is that while all that the home and its immediate environs has to offer can be preserved, much of the remainder of the land can be sub-divided for homes under its town zoning.
And add to that the panoramic views, the undulating rural setting and the fact that it is just a few minutes from Geelong and within easy reach of the by-pass and the Bellarine Peninsula.
But, as much as all of this teases the imagination, the jewel in the crown - as it should be - is of course the home itself. And, as with all things rare, words are not really needed since the very first glance - the grand portico entrance - is enough to signal the very specialty of what's to come.
On stepping into the magnificent entry you are greeted by a stunning patterned inlay of marble set in the porcelain tiles, all offset by the delicate leadlight treatment. The artistry of marble inlay and fine workmanship is carried through beyond the study and into the formal living room where you are immediately taken by the soaring sense of space and light, thrown into the room from the vaulted ceiling, rising 10 metres above.
It is here too that you gain a hint of the home's warmth and its underlying year-round value in that it has a decorative cast-iron heater which actually services the elaborate hydronic heating that runs throughout the home.
On the other hand and for the technically inclined, there is also a reverse cycle cooling system which, in fact, reflects just one aspect of the overall touch of perfection applied everywhere since all of the windows also are double-glazed while upgraded insulation ensures the utmost in energy conservation.
Naturally, the chef of the household has everything they could ask for with the spacious and stunning kitchen where added touches include triple diamond-gloss paintwork and an abundance of granite bench tops.
And, seeing that kitchens of this standard are usually the focal point and social centre of the home, its space is given its full potential by having a
pantry that is virtually a second kitchen since it has its own sink, preparation area and fridge. Then of course this whole social area flows seamlessly on to the informal living room so that everyone can enjoy the everlasting panoramic outlook.
The masterly use of marble is again in evidence with the magnificent outdoor entertaining area which also includes a fully covered cabana with built-in bar, sauna room and powder room. And, while it has its own distinctive personally, this whole area becomes virtually part of the house proper by opening the by-fold windows linking it to the kitchen.
It almost goes without saying that the home is tailor-made for entertaining - hence the five bedrooms, each with a travertine marble ensuite.
The host and hostess are of course exquisitely catered for with a huge main bedroom, beautifully serviced by the opulence of a grand bathroom, including a spa, while practicalities are well anticipated with its 'his' and “her” walk-in robes.
Practical touches throughout the house also can be found in the large and comprehensive laundry while the gymnasium is big enough to double as a fifth bedroom, given that it has its own facilities.
Down the hallway to the large double garage with its own wine cellar and an extensive multi-purpose cupboard.
Those on the lookout for sensible touches also will find plenty, especially with not just the horizontal but also the vertical size of what is a single-story home. That is easily found with the vaulted formal area ceiling which not only adds to the internal spaciousness but also gives a whole new dimension to the outside.
Similarly the higher-than-usual ceilings throughout, all enhanced by the exceptionally tall internal doors, have the implicit effect of lifting the whole outdoor profile of the home as it sits atop one of the undulations.... and all of it adding to the uncompromising sense