650 Calder Alternative Highway, Lockwood South, Vic 3551

Set across approximately 51 acres of gently undulating countryside, this remarkable Lockwood South property is a compelling expression of bespoke craftsmanship, passive design and self-sufficient rural living.

Positioned to capture sweeping elevated views towards Mt Tarrangower and Mount Alexander, the property adjoins Crown reserve and the Lockwood–Marong Reservoir, creating an exceptional sense of space, privacy and connection with the surrounding landscape. The holding also benefits from a 99-year grazing lease over the disused roadways, while a channel system provides a valuable 4.7-megalitre water entitlement.

At its heart is an extraordinary owner-designed residence, completed in 2015 and constructed using handmade mud bricks created on site by the owner before respected builder Michael Archibald brought the home to completion. The combination of natural mud brick and galvanised materials gives the home a distinctive architectural character, while its orientation and construction have been carefully considered to maximise thermal performance.

Extensive north-facing double-glazed windows and doors draw winter sun deep into the home, complemented by polished concrete floors that provide thermal mass and help regulate internal temperatures. Clerestory windows enhance natural light and ventilation, while heat-transfer vents, and ceiling fans further contribute to the home’s passive credentials.

A formal entrance introduces generous open-plan living and dining spaces centred around a striking Fryerstown stone fireplace with a Lopi wood heater. The country kitchen is both practical and character-filled, featuring a walk-in pantry, combustion wood-fired oven with water jacket, and additional gas/electric oven.

The main bedroom includes a walk-in robe and private ensuite, while bedrooms two and three each include built-in robes. All bedrooms enjoy direct access outdoors through sliding doors, reinforcing the connection between the home and its landscape. The main bathroom features a Mount Alexander granite benchtop, while the laundry offers extensive storage. A second living area provides further flexibility as a fourth bedroom, home office, creative studio or retreat.

Beautifully crafted Ironbark timber doors, heat-pump hot water, 50,000lt rainwater storage, a reed-bed greywater system and composting toilet continue the home’s focus on considered, low-impact living.

True off-grid independence is supported by a substantial solar system comprising a 10kW array with 5kW supply, gel battery storage and a 9kVA continuous-feed diesel generator, allowing the property to operate with a high degree of self-sufficiency.

Surrounding the home are established landscaped gardens, lawns and stonework, with a vine-draped, stone-paved entertaining area creating an inviting outdoor living space. A pergola and pizza oven complete the setting for long lunches, relaxed evenings and entertaining while taking in the surrounding rural outlook.

Further improvements include a workshop with battery room, two-bay vehicle storage, two-car carport and a separate bungalow or studio. The land is divided into paddocks suitable for stock and complemented by established fruit trees and a vineyard planted to Shiraz and Cabernet vines.

Lightly treed, productive and wonderfully private, the property also enjoys excellent accessibility, with Bendigo within easy reach for employment, major services and everyday facilities, convenient access to the Calder Freeway for travel to Melbourne, and simple connections to the lifestyle destinations of Castlemaine and Maldon.

A distinctive rural retreat for those seeking bespoke architecture, passive design and a genuinely self-sufficient lifestyle, all within an impressive 51-acre setting and framed by some of central Victoria’s most memorable views.

Type

House

Bedrooms

4

Bathrooms

2

Parkings

6

Area

20.69 ha