In one of Melbourne’s prized eastern suburbs, a landmark residential development has just broken ground to cater to buyers who want nature-led living with lifestyle-first amenities.
Scotch Hill Gardens, a development by Melbourne-based residential experts Hamton Property Group, is officially under construction, with the first sod being turned on Thursday, 11 June. Representatives from Hamton, builder Brady Constructions and Victorian Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny were in attendance.
This milestone for Scotch Hill Gardens was marked with a groundbreaking ceremony onsite.
"This former university site is being transformed into more than 400 new homes in a great location – putting surplus land to work delivering the housing Victorians need," says Ms Kilkenny.
"Close to Kooyong Station, schools, parks, shops and jobs, this is exactly the kind of well-located housing Victoria needs more of."
Taking shape in Hawthorn on the former University of Melbourne campus – not far from the leafy Patterson Reserve – this new development plans to offer a lifestyle that puts nature at the forefront with landscaped gardens and ample green space in a suburb that’s known for its established parks and tree canopy.
“This is such a unique site because it has around 80 established, mature trees, that are all over 50 plus years old,” says Paul Hameister, Hamton Founder and Executive Chairman.
“It’s very rare to secure a 1.6ha site in a blue-chip suburb with this many established trees where you can get an approval for enough density that allows you to then create 40% of the site as garden space,” Mr Hameister said.
“I don’t think it will ever be repeated, to be honest – this close to the city in a blue-chip suburb – and we’re fully committed to making this a global exemplar of nature-based design excellence.”
Bringing more than 30 years of experience to the project, Brady Constructions is the official construction partner of this ambitious build, which will eventually comprise an impressive collection of six boutique premium residences.
“It’s magnificent to be carving such a prominent development into such a beautiful area,” says Jolen Brady, Construction Director of Brady Constructions.
The first residential building, The Ingleburn, is near sell out. The second building in Stage One, The Woodburn, is now selling, and The Tate is anticipated to launch later in 2026. The first residents are expected in 2028.
Once complete, Scotch Hill Gardens will comprise a collection of six boutique premium residences.
Premium residences now under construction
Designed by Woods Bagot, the one-, two- and three-bedroom residences that are now under construction are designed to make the most of the existing tree canopies and natural aspect of the site.
With all layouts optimised to take advantage of natural light, these homes are designed to echo their natural surroundings with indoor design that draws on the texture and finish of wood and stone, executed with fine craftsmanship.
These homes feature sought-after details in today’s market such as butler's pantries, Gaggenau appliances and freestanding baths throughout.
Residents will be able to access a sauna, steam room and salt room, alongside hot and cold therapy, a fully-equipped gym and movement room.
Private dining, lounge and co-working areas extend the living space into the complex, while thoughtful details like a pet grooming station help residents take care of daily tasks.
At The Woodburn, prices start at $690,000, while a penthouse in the development has recently been sold to a local purchaser for $5.1 million.
Residents at Scotch Hill Gardens will have access to luxury wellness amenities.
Matching homes to a neighbourhood
With a proven track record spanning 20 years in development, Hamton has cemented itself as an expert in tailoring new homes to Melbourne's aspirational neighbourhoods, and this is particularly evident in how the developer has worked with landscape architects Tract on Scotch Hill Gardens.
The existing natural landscape has been an integral part of the design of this neighbourhood from day one, with Hamton drawing on Tract’s expertise to retain those 80 mature trees on the site, and integrate about 6,000sqm of landscaped communal green space into the design.
The project has been popular with a range of buyers keen to take advantage of Hawthorn’s many benefits, particularly downsizers who know and love the suburb’s existing features such as the Hawthorn Cycling Club, Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club and Auburn Road's retail village.
Scotch Hill Gardens will also feature new retail and hospitality offerings, while delivering a revitalisation of Bills Street thoroughfare.
“We are fully committed to upgrading the adjacent Bills Street retail village – that’s important for our residents but there’ll also be a lot of benefit for the community,” says Mr Hameister.
“That will become a real community hub for local residents.”
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