The long, winding drive rises through the landscape, with glimpses across vineyards towards the mountain, promising something special. Beyond the final bend, where the bush opens up, a dry-stone wall and a stand of tall pencil pines mark the entrance to the garden.
Perched high on a ridge in Faraday, near Castlemaine, Faradiso occupies approximately 68 acres of private bushland with expansive 360-degree views towards Mount Alexander, Mount Macedon and Mount Franklin. The outlook is wide, uninterrupted and constantly changing with the light and the seasons.
Built in the 1970s and designed to make the most of its northern aspect and extraordinary setting, the approximately 204-square-metre home is simple in form, highly considered and quietly embedded in the landscape. Rendered in soft, earthy tones, the house is framed by ancient gum trees and a resilient Mediterranean-style garden featuring extensive terraces built with stone sourced from the property. Gravel paths meander through exotic and native plantings, olive trees and clipped hedges.
At the heart of the home, the main living room features high ceilings, a slow-combustion wood heater and split-system heating and cooling. A north-facing picture window frames the garden, while a sliding door on the southern side opens to the stone-paved terrace-an idyllic setting for long lunches beneath the shady canopy and summer swims in the in-ground pool.
The sleek, minimalist kitchen combines stainless-steel benchtops, mosaic wall tiling, an integrated Miele dishwasher and an Ilve gas oven. A Thermalux wood-fired stove brings the pleasure of slow-cooked meals in winter, while the stone island incorporates a Barazza gas cooktop. The walk-in pantry provides additional storage and direct access to the front verandah.
Adjoining the kitchen and lounge, and separated by a rendered concrete wall, the dining area features more expansive windows framing magnificent views towards Sutton Grange and Mount Alexander-an exceptional backdrop for entertaining family and friends.
Spanish terracotta tiles flow through the main living areas and hallway, which leads to three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a second living area or studio. Two bedrooms open directly to the garden through French doors and include built-in robes. The central bathroom features mosaic tiling, a unique curved shower and a bath. The laundry is discreetly positioned just off the main entrance.
Waking in the master suite to views out to the forests beyond the garden is a rare luxury. The bedroom is complemented by a walk-in robe concealed behind a pair of Indian temple doors, along with a private ensuite featuring a shower and double-basin vanity.
Generous and light-filled, the studio or second living space includes its own solid-wood heater, external access and picture windows overlooking the garden. It could serve as a creative studio, guest retreat, children's living area or flexible accommodation.
Faradiso is designed for genuine self-sufficiency. The property operates off-grid, with a 5kW solar power system, automatic generator backup and approx 46,000 Lt. rainwater tanks. A deep dam in the valley below supports garden irrigation, while raised wicking veggie beds, two large walk-in chook pens, a potting shed and extensive established fruit orchard and orangery support a productive rural lifestyle. A garage with workshop and wood heater, carport and powerhouse complete the built infrastructure.
The surrounding landscape is alive with native birdlife, kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas and other wildlife. Hilltop and gully walks on the directly adjoining Castlemaine Goldfields Track, National Heritage Park rambles, or paddles at the Res make this a true nature lover's sanctuary. For a more urban experience, Castlemaine's cafés, galleries and Saturday market are approximately 14 minutes away. Bendigo is around 25 minutes away, while Melbourne is approximately 75 minutes via the Calder Freeway.
Faradiso is a private sanctuary offering a rare combination of considered design, complete off-grid independence and a landscape that stretches towards the horizon in every direction.
