Suki Reid
The former home of legendary landscaper Paul Bangay is up for sale and could soon have a new owner.
The Woodend property, known as St Ambrose, spans 2.69 acres of grounds north-west of Melbourne that became the subject of Bangay’s book, The Enchanted Garden.
Dating to circa 1888, the estate is set against the rolling foothills of the Macedon Ranges and has been gently brought into the modern world while conserving its past.
The owners who took over from Bangay extended the house before selling it.
The gardens, recently updated by Bangay himself, remain the centrepiece with a grand, tree-lined entrance opening to a forecourt with a central water feature.
In a symmetrical layout framed by hedges and rows of trees, the garden also includes a circular garden, a contemplation garden, an apple garden, two secret gardens and a sunken firepit.
Beyond the landscape, the home has also evolved.
Originally a schoolhouse, the residence still incorporates its roots, with the former school building now repurposed as part of the living space.
Interiors are arranged across a series of connected pavilions, with high ceilings, large expanses of glass and openings to the surrounding gardens.
“The kitchen forms the heart of the home, beautifully appointed and positioned for both daily living and entertaining, while formal and informal living zones provide flexibility across every stage of life,” the Kay & Burton listing reads.
A separate self-contained guest residence adds extra space, while outdoor features include a recently rebuilt 20-metre wet-edge pool, positioned within the formal grounds alongside a reflection pond.
“Gorgeous raked Western Red Cedar cathedral ceilings and polished concrete floors define the two separate garage domains, offering accommodation for over five vehicles,” the listing added.
The estate last traded for $8 million in 2023 and was guided at $8 million to $8.8 million.
Located within walking distance of Woodend’s town centre and about an hour’s drive from Melbourne, the property sits within a tightly held pocket of the Macedon Ranges known for its lifestyle appeal.
This article was originally published by Domain.com.au. Reproduced with permission.
