85 Douglas Road

Mount Macedon VIC 3441

"My love for the flora of Australia, at once so unique and so fascinating... [began in] the extensive European flower garden of my youth at Mount Macedon." - E.RWorld-renowned wildflower artist Ellis Rowan credited the gardens of Derriweit Heights as the influence and foundation of her art, whilst residing there in the late nineteenth century. At the time, the gatherings at Derriweit Heights were so influential that they helped establish Mount Macedon as the preeminent summer retreat for Victorian high society. Today, Derriweit Heights remains one of Victoria's most storied and prestigious estates. The residence retains a distinct sense of quiet and seclusion, set within a manageable 1.05ha historic garden sanctuary offering an unparalleled lifestyle as either a distinguished family home or trophy weekend retreat.Derriweit Heights was originally built in 1873 to reflect the status of Charles Ryan, a successful pastoralist. It was here that Ryan's daughter, Ellis Rowan, found her lifelong inspiration. The original 26 acre garden was designed by Baron von Mueller and later refined by William Guilfoyle in the 1870's. Their vision helped define Mount Macedon's horticultural renown. In 1983, the earlier Tudor style mansion was lost, replacing it with the current French Colonial style residence in 2007. The house was further enhanced recently, and today, it remains one of Victoria's important and recognised estates. The sense of arrival is immediately felt the moment the automated gates open. The 1114m2, 3 level residence is both gracious and architecturally imposing, and designed to make a statement. Upon entry, the home immediately asserts its character through grand proportions and a refined aesthetic. The ground floor plan includes formal and informal living rooms, magnificent patio, and a beautifully appointed reception room. The culinary heart of the home is an expansive open-plan kitchen, defined by bespoke cabinetry, pantry, premium appliances, and vast stone preparation surfaces. This level also houses a self-contained wing within the original coachhouse and servants' quarters and includes three generous bedrooms, a bathroom and a secondary kitchen-offering an ideal sanctuary for guests or staff. The distinctive turret leads you upstairs to four principal bedrooms, two executive sized bathrooms and expansive living spaces. All rooms have been thoughtfully designed to capture quality natural light and views over the Keilor Plains towards Melbourne, You Yangs and Geelong. The lower level includes a cellar, the "Long Room" for family events, two large interconnecting living rooms, bathroom and kitchenette a perfect self contained living area. From here, French doors lead out onto the 42m wide x 6m deep Silver Travertine stone curved feature balcony, with grand central curved stone stairs, cast steel balusters, bluestone walls and a feature bronze fountain. The balcony overlooks the beautiful lawns and is the ideal alfresco dining or entertainment area. Exceptional architectural features and detailing associated with a residence of this significance and quality run throughout the house, including high ceilings, quality joinery, large doorways , high windows, French doors, dormer windows, large picture windows, extensive storage areas, built-in robes, ducted heating and cooling, and hydronic heating.The gardens of Derriweit Heights remain one of Mount Macedon's botanically important and were recognised as the first of the great "Hill Station" gardens. The garden includes spring bulbs, perennials, hellebores, established rare deciduous and native trees including 150 year old oaks, maples, tree ferns, rhododendrons, elms, expansive grass lawns, rhododendrons, rotunda, dovecote and tree house, rustic barn style games room, greenhouse, stone walling, garden paths, a service entry and ferny creek. The garden is serviced by tank water and high rainfall. The property is also below "the mist line". Derriweit Heights is located in a region that is, historically, culturally and environmentally rich and diverse and has a wonderful sense of community. Mt. Macedon is known for its fresh and purifying air, grand estates, and has the largest collection of 19th century English gardens in the Southern Hemisphere. Within minutes are historic townships and hamlets, galleries, award winning wineries, distilleries and artisan food producers, the Mount Macedon Pub and The Trading Post. The local area provides all levels of exceptional schooling, supermarkets, shopping, commercial and medical services, train stations and Melbourne CBD is a short a 50 minute drive and Tullamarine Airport is 35 minutes.Properties associated with our early social, botanical and architectural history, incorporating modern design, are both unique and scarce. Derriweit Heights is more than a residence; it is an extraordinary estate of significant provenance, offering profound privacy and lifestyle - yet all within an easy commute to the world's best city Melbourne.For further details contact Dominic Romeo.0438500277dominicromeo@historicproperty.com.auwww.historicproperty.com.auDISCLAIMER: All dimensions are approximate only. Particulars given are for general information only and do not constitute any representation on the part of the Vendor or Agent. All prospective buyers must undertake their own due diligence less