Lumella is a purpose-built, architect-designed getaway, high on a hill, seemingly far away from it all, but so close to a fresh, local, gourmet meal you could almost follow the smell of it cooking from nearby Trentham or Daylesford…..almost!
Owners Ben and Tamara fell in love with the property the moment they saw it. They had been looking in the area for the right property for about 2 years, it was only listed on the real estate market for a couple of days when they jumped at the opportunity and put in their successful offer. After years of traveling abroad and knowing what they were looking for, they knew that it was the perfect location to create a special space for people to escape to, experience nature and help to create memorable getaways.
We wanted to find a place where people would be able to escape to a private and peaceful rural escape. It was also important to us that guests be close enough to town to access the highlights of Daylesford (9 minutes), Trentham (15 minutes), Castlemaine (30 minutes) and everywhere else around. This is it! “
However, the incredible environment that they have now created required a vision and hard work as the block was completely covered in blackberries and weeds when they first purchased it. It took them over two years of coming up at every opportunity with their three children, rolling their sleeves up and getting stuck into it. It was a huge but fun project for the family, that saw their hard work eventually pay off.
We are now in the process of planting locally sourced native seeds to expand the habitats for the local birds and wildlife. We love watching it all develop and it’s going to be an ongoing family project to plant more trees and manage the land.”
Lumella is situated at the top of Dolphins Hill right on the border of Musk and Bullarto with commanding panoramic views as far as the eye can see down through the valleys to the headwaters of the Werribee, Campaspe and Loddon rivers that surround the area. The view provides an ever-changing living canvas, breathtaking throughout each season. Tamara explains what the environment means to them.
The approach to the property is unassuming, you don’t expect to be so elevated and to be able to see so far across the valleys when you first come through the gates and head up the drive. It is an amazing surprise when you get out of the car at the top of the driveway, the 360 Deg views really take your breath away. We love that the property uses crystal clear spring water which is pumped by an old windmill that we have had restored. In winter the hill can be covered in snow and in summer hay bales dot the property, it never gets boring!”
The back of the block is amazing – acres and acres of bushland. It’s an easy walk to a tiny old quarry there where they quarried rock for local roads during the 1800s. There are often koalas in the trees, sometimes residing in the trees near the house.
Ben and Tamara designed the house with architect, Antony Martin (MRTN Architects), who had recently completed other projects in the area. They asked him to create a hideaway where people could enjoy the serenity and the views, in a beautiful space.
We love his clever design, it feels incredibly spacious, despite the small footprint. It has a balanced symmetry and from above the footprint looks like a star. But the real star of the house is the views – and Antony has been able to capture these perfectly through the windows.“
The interiors have been beautifully put together by one of Tamara’s oldest school friends, interior designer Jessica Nixon from Okologi. Carefully curated products and artworks have been sourced through Koskela, Castle, Globewest, Shelley Panton, Oblica, L&M Home, and Heatherley Design and create a one-off and special hideaway.
We have tried to build a luxury secluded retreat for couples to escape to the country. A place that people can either come with supplies and use the full-size kitchen or explore all the amazing restaurants in the local area. A place that people can enjoy walks within the Wombat State Forest that backs on the block, sit on the deck in summer or stay warm by the fire in Winter. A remote getaway but only a short drive to the pub, the shops or places to walk in either direction. A place to spot wombats (well after dark), wallabies and kangaroos. A place to listen to the birds.”
