85 Bowden Street, Castlemaine, Vic 3450

Recycled brick, warm timber and a 4.2m entry ceiling announce a home built with care. This is a four-bedroom, three-bathroom residence, 1.6km from central Castlemaine, on a 526sqm (approx.) block. Over two levels, there is 325sqm of living and a further 76sqm of balcony and patio. Mount Alexander rises in the view from the front. A leafy outlook to the west sits at the back.

Step inside and the pace slows. Scallop wall detailing gives the entry a soft, sculptural texture. It returns on the kitchen island and in the main bedroom. Hardwood floors lead to open-plan living and dining that is light and bright, with views to the east, north and west. Sheer curtains soften the sun. The palette is gentle and earthy, with soft gumnut tones, warm whites and timber. Ducted heating and cooling keep every room comfortable through the seasons.

The kitchen is the heart of the home. A large island bench with a stone waterfall edge is made for slow breakfasts, homework and long conversations. Soft green cabinetry and handmade style tiles sit beneath a timber rangehood. There is a 900mm induction cooktop, a 900mm undermount oven and an Asko dishwasher. The large walk-in pantry doubles as an appliance cupboard and has space for the fridge. A sliding door opens to the balcony, and a servery window opens to it as well. Drinks go out, plates come back, and the host never leaves the party.

On this level you feel as though you are in the treetops. The balcony looks over the surrounding area west of Castlemaine. Ceiling fans keep it cool in summer, and at the end of the day the sun sets right in front of you. This is where long lunches turn into long evenings.

The main bedroom is a private retreat at the front of the home. It has a walk-in robe and an ensuite with a walk-in shower, a double-basin vanity, a toilet, floor-to-ceiling tiles and heated flooring. Mornings begin underfoot with warmth. Two further bedrooms share this level, both with built-in robes. The large bathroom has a freestanding bath, a vanity, a large shower and a separate toilet. A sitting room opens to the balcony and suits a playroom or TV room, close enough to hear the family and far enough to feel like its own world. The laundry has good storage and its own balcony access.

Hardwood timber stairs lead down to a flexible lower level, where the home keeps giving. A generous rumpus room could be a home gym, a studio or a teen retreat. There is a theatre room, an office, and a fourth bedroom with an ensuite, which makes the space well suited to multigenerational living. Sliding doors open to a second entertaining area that works all year. Beyond it are the back garden, lawn and hedging, with room for children to play and friends to linger.

The practical details are covered with the same care. A secure double garage has internal access. There is an integrated solar system, a security system, a gated side driveway and under-house storage.

Thoughtfully planned, beautifully finished and made for gathering.