Inside the Hepburn bush retreat built around a water tank

6 hours ago 1

The exterior of Karoo Crest Retreat blends concrete, timber and glass amid the bushland of Shepherds Flat near Daylesford.

A sunken concrete bath, twin glass sinks and a rainwater tank built into the wall, this Shepherds Flat retreat might be the most unusual home in regional Victoria.

Hidden among the gums near Daylesford, Karoo Crest Retreat at 950 Basalt Rd looks modest from the outside but opens into a sculptural world of stone, steel and sunlight.

Belle Property Daylesford agent Natalie Fagan said the design stopped buyers in their tracks.
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“From the outside it’s understated, but once you step inside it’s extraordinary — soaring vaulted ceilings, stonework, light, texture,” she said.

“The curved wall you see is actually part of the rainwater tank — half inside, half outside — a brilliant piece of design that gives it an industrial-meets-mid-century feel.”

The three-bedroom property spans about 330sq m across two distinct wings — the original stone structure and a contemporary timber-and-iron extension — set on a 5759sq m block backing onto Hepburn Regional Park.

A bold expression of Australian modernism, the home combines stone, steel and timber to create a timeless bushland retreat.

Curved lines, concrete textures and a striking rainwater tank wall define the home’s sculptural architectural style.

Inside, polished concrete and granite floors anchor vast living zones flooded with light from clerestory windows.

A slow-combustion fireplace and heating panels keep the home warm through winter, while double glazing and full insulation maintain year-round comfort.

“You’re completely surrounded by forest,” Ms Fagan said.

“You can’t see a neighbour. The seller even sent me a recording of the birdsong, it honestly sounds like a soundtrack.
“Then you walk inside to this architectural wonder, it’s breathtaking.”

Surrounded by forest and filled with natural light, the home feels like a private oasis in the heart of the Hepburn bush.

The big open-plan living and dining zone features exposed timber beams, stone detailing and clerestory windows flooding the space with light.

Feature stone walls and pendant lighting add warmth and texture, blending industrial design with rustic elegance.

The kitchen and dining area pair polished concrete floors with timber cabinetry and stone benchtops for a refined, minimalist look.

At the centre of the home, a glass-walled atrium garden connects every room to the landscape.

The main bathroom features a sunken concrete bath and twin glass basins that feel more sculpture than fixture.

Sustainability is central to the build, with 160,000 litres of rainwater storage integrated into the structure, solar power, an Aquatreat septic system and external fire sprinklers.

“It resonates deeply,” Ms Fagan said.

“People are aware of both cost-of-living and environmental impact now. The design makes it practical as well as planet-friendly.”

Karoo Crest Retreat is listed with a $1.295m plus price guide through Belle Property Daylesford.