The home is hugged by swathes of undulating natives, including white fan-flower (Scaevola albida), golden-coloured Baeckea frutescens, and delicate brown midgen berry (Austromyrtus dulcis) while a bottlebrush (Callistemon ‘Little John’), hairpin banksia (Banksia spinulosa) and a grass tree (Xanthorrhoea johnsonii) add quintessential Australian character. The stone is Maleny bush rock, a type of basalt salvaged from a local construction site. A cantilevered viewing platform extends out across the ridgeline, allowing homeowners Brenda and Randy to immerse themselves in the surrounding landscape.
Approaching Brenda and Randy’s property feels a bit like entering a magical realm. Their 800 metre-long driveway takes you on a journey across a creek, up a hill, through subtropical rainforest, across a paddock, and alongside a cascading waterfall before arriving at a row of lilly pillies, ushering you to the home. “You feel like you’re in another world,” says Brenda.
The 10 hectare (25 acre) property is perched on a ridge in the fertile Blackall Range near Montville, in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast hinterland. Brenda and Randy bought the land – a former citrus and pineapple farm – back in 2010 when they were still living in Melbourne, working in corporate roles. They originally planned to purchase a smaller plot, but when they spotted this block and its amazing views, they were smitten.
This story is from the March 2021 edition of Australian House & Garden Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 2021 edition of Australian House & Garden Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
URBAN SANCTUARY
Industrial features-and contemporary interior design coalesce in this built-froma ch city warehouse tucked away in the back streets of inner Melbourne.
WORLD of roses
These symbols of peace, joy and love are said to be more than 35 million years old.
Time TRAVELLER
A Sydney family gives their heritage home the garden it deserves, with help from a dream team of experts.
FREE range
A contemporary farmhouse, built for multigenerational living, strikes the perfect balance between cohesive design and personalised spaces.
HOME comforts
Shop these three elegant looks, from earthy and natural to pared-back monochromatic and coastal chic.
Calming canopy
INVITING THE OUTSIDE IN HAS TURNED THIS EXPANSIVE ENSUITE INTO A BLISSFUL RETREAT.
COASTAL character
A clever layout redesign and natural palette transform a dark house into a breezy family home with ocean views and plenty of natural light.
Entertaining
VIBRANT DISHES THAT ARE PERFECT FOR ENTERTAINING.
LUCKY MOVE
The Block's Marty Fox has flipped 14 houses in his time, but this Victorian mansion in Melbourne holds a special place in his heart.
A CERTAIN CHARM
A young couple enlists the expertise of a savvy team to refresh and expand their original 1930s Brisbane worker's cottage into a light-filled family home.