4 Browns Road, Montrose, VIC, 3765, Australia

Designed by renowned Australian architect Alistair Knox who advocated for "living in the environment", this thoughtful mudbrick home is set on approximately 2.5 acres of secluded grounds with a mini-orchard, tranquil pond with water feature and stunning sunset views best enjoyed from a north facing alfresco deck. Instantly captivating at the end of a long, winding drive, this inimitable showcase of bush modernism style will sooth the soul, feed the imagination and warm the heart.

Signature Knox architectural flair is delivered via the use of locally sourced reclaimed materials that are robust and organic in nature; slate floors, handmade bricks that tell their own story, timber beams and lashings of glass that seamlessly connect you with the natural landscape.

Unpretentious, functional, and typical of the era, the home’s authentic and rustic charm is itself art requiring very little to create a sanctuary feel that every family craves.

Bespoke elements throughout including artist designed leadlight windows and handmade tiles in the kitchen and ensuite add further allure.

The split-level floorplan consists of a calm and welcoming open concept living domain with soaring 6.5m ceilings giving the sunlit space an open, airy feel, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. A striking floor to ceiling fireplace with handmade bricks provides wood fire warmth and a classic foothills ambience.

Forever functional, the kitchen features storage in every nook and cranny, retro tile-topped counters and the modernity of a SMEG 900mm cooker. Adjacent, casual meals and/or a reading nook offers flexibility depending on your lifestyle needs.

Step out onto the alfresco deck, offering north westerly aspects partially filtered through a verdant canopy of towering tree ferns. The deck beholds the promise of serene mornings with your preferred cup of steaming brew, spectacular sunsets, and star-gazing sessions on crisp, clear nights.

Restful evenings are well catered for with three robed bedrooms accompanied by a central bathroom inclusive of a master with ensuite and lavish walk-in robe.

The sun-kissed mezzanine-level houses an inspiring home office space or a retreat to curl up with your favourite chapters. Round the corner and there’s yet more space for working from home or create a fourth bedroom with its own fireplace! From here, access a playful bridge that provides access to the gardens.

The incredibly secluded grounds are gorgeous as is with a touch of the wild and whimsy. Dream up a lush kitchen garden, design an intimate firepit setting for outdoor gatherings, or perhaps plot a play area for the little ones. The opportunities to mould this space into your own private sanctuary are boundless.

The home is privately situated providing you with your own personal haven away from the urban bustle. Within a few minutes’ drive, you can reach Montrose Primary, Billanook Primary, Hahndorf Chocolate Café, Montrose shopping centre, well-regarded restaurants, Montrose Recreation Reserve, and the popular Montrose Playground.

Additional amenities include four sheds, three of which are powered, one extra-large with high ceilings, offers potential workshop, studio, or easily converted to guest room. There is also a greenhouse with adjoining potting shed that was previously used for orchid cultivation.

At a Glance:

• 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom mudbrick home on 2.5 acres in a leafy green wedge locale.
• Designed by revered Melbourne architect, Alistair Knox circa 1975 for schoolteacher Linda Vague.
• High thermal mass design with thick mudbrick walls, bricks and tiles that are incredibly energy efficient.
• Big timbers sourced from the old Brunswick Pottery with handmade chimney bricks gathered from around Victoria.
• Local builder John Zovan was hired to construct the Alistair Knox design. Linda with friends/family laid the mud bricks but later purchased the rest.
• The slate on the floor is recycled roofing tiles (a different style in the main bedroom).
• The kitchen tiles were bought from Nunawading Tile Works.
• Pond with water feature plus two other ponds designed by Ross Sanders from Olinda.
• Mini orchard with mulberry, nectarine, plum, tangelo, and tamarillo trees.
• Original shed made from butter tins house the original mud brick moulds.
• Covered alfresco zone at the side of the house.
• Approx 49m2 north facing deck with natural gas outlet for BBQ.
• Hydronic heating throughout (natural gas heated).
• Security camera system.
• Heat pump for efficient hot water system & reduced electricity bills.
• Double car sized shed at the rear which will house a single car plus ample storage.
• Double height carport suitable for a caravan plus extensive off-street parking.
• Ample garden sheds including a greenhouse and potting shed.
• Mains water plus water tanks.
• Plentiful storage including a huge upstairs cupboard & floor to ceiling robes in bedrooms.


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