Created as a tranquil retreat for weekend or weekly getaways and for Chinese medicine and martial arts studies, this idyllic property is set on approximately 20 acres and is surrounded by nature walks and abundant wildlife, you can watch kangaroos graze from your windows. With Cobaw Forest as a backdrop and birdsongs and bush noises the loudest sounds you’ll hear, this haven-from-a-busy-world cocoons you in serenity and restfulness. This property offers a healthy lifestyle with self sufficient rain water supply and stand alone solar system meaning no water and power bills. Supporting this lifestyle is an extensive established vegetable, mini vineyard and dozens of fruit and nut trees.
Carved from the bush but harmonising perfectly with it, the main building – built from mud bricks and superb recycled and new timber – was designed to evoke the sense of warmth and community of a Chinese village and the beauty of the Shaolin temple. Magnificent 400-year-old Chinese monastery doors lead into a front courtyard, a reflective space flanked by 4 spacious semi-detached bedrooms – each with its own ensuite plus a built-in wardrobe, and bottled (delete word bottled) gas heating – which have been named after the seasons (summer, autumn, winter, spring).
The main hall has a contented ambience and a glossy timber floor that is sprung. Walls and the soaring cathedral ceiling also have the rich glow of natural timber. Lovely doors and windows are imported from China. An open fireplace and storage areas are off to one side. Beyond this room is a wide living room with kitchen (combustion and gas stove) at one end and a laundry and a separate toilet at the other. Two more spacious bedrooms (1 with ensuite with large bath) are off the living room and either side of the relaxing rear courtyard.
But it doesn’t stop there! Away from the main house is a separate meditation room/Japanese tea house. And then there’s the separate 1-room cottage (with storage space), as well as a caravan with an annex set into the bush. There’s a triple carport plus plenty of extra parking space. It’s no wonder that the property has featured on TV shows such as Getaway and Coxys Big Break, yet it doesn’t have to continue its life as a study centre; it could easily become a wonderful family hideaway – your own bush idyll.
Note: you’ll find Sherwood Court 4.5 kilometres north of Lancefield township on the Tooborac Road and less than an hour from Melbourne and 30 minutes from Melbourne Airport.