16B Hepburn Road, Daylesford, Vic 3460

On a quiet, no-through road between Daylesford and Hepburn, this four-bedroom home sits on 1285sqm (approx.) of striking, established garden. The 174sqm residence is rated 6.5 stars for energy efficiency, with double glazing, hydronic heating, solar hot water, and ducted evaporative cooling: a considered, low-maintenance base in one of the region's most sought-after pockets.

At the heart of the home, open-plan living, dining and kitchen are finished in warm hardwood floorboards, with large north-facing windows that capture the garden and the borrowed bush landscape beyond. A Nectre wood heater anchors the living space, and sliding doors open to a wisteria-clad pergola on the deck, made for long lunches and quiet evenings alike. The kitchen is built for everyday use and entertaining in equal measure: a freestanding 900mm gas cooktop and oven, dishwasher, stone benchtops, and an island bench for casual dining. An angled skylight draws in additional light through the day.

Four bedrooms are arranged for family living, each with its own character and garden outlook. The main bedroom includes an ensuite, a walk-in robe and built-in shelving. Two further bedrooms face north, with private access to the rear deck and garden. A fourth bedroom, with built-in robes, doubles easily as a home office. The main bathroom pairs a bath and separate shower with black tiling, and a separate toilet. A secure, remote double garage offers internal access and incorporates the laundry.

The garden is the standout here: a genuine, peaceful escape, and clearly the work of a dedicated gardener. Corten steel edging and landscaped stairs step down through terraced beds of roses, hellebores, camellias and daphne, the daphne filling the garden with scent through late winter and spring. Established ornamental and native plantings include oaks, Japanese maples and magnolias, with raised veggie beds and a water tank. A pond with a small waterfall adds to the sense of retreat, and birdlife is a constant presence. A town planning permit is in place for the construction of an 8 x 4 metre studio, offering scope for a home office, studio or guest retreat within the grounds.

Hepburn Springs is a short stroll away, known for its mineral springs, the Hepburn Bathhouse, and a handful of well-loved cafes and wineries. Daylesford's main street, with its restaurants, providores, lake walk and weekend market, is 1.6km away. Castlemaine is a 31-minute drive, making this an easy base for those who want the lifestyle of the Hepburn Springs–Daylesford region without sacrificing convenience.

A home and garden this considered, in a setting this sought-after, is a genuine find.