A stunning lifestyle property, "Plein Air" is privately situated on approximately 67 acres in rural Merricks North just one hour from Melbourne. A multi-use property located within minutes of ocean and bay beaches and award-winning vineyards, this home offers a wealth of recreational amenities including a north-south tennis court, spa and solar-heated saltwater pool surrounded by a mature Cypress hedge, inground trampoline and sculptural swing alongside a visionary five-bedroom residence.

"A walled encampment on a hill, where fires are lit, where art lives rather than is entombed, where light casts its shadows." Powell & Glenn Architects

The house is approached by a long drive beside paddocks and bush, set in landscaped native gardens designed by Robert Boyle. A small herd of belted Galloway cattle graze alongside native birds and wildlife. Designed as a sanctuary for family and friends and as a spectacular back drop for the owner's modern art collection, a striking gallery-inspired extension by Powell and Glenn Architects cleverly conceals a wing of the original Merchant Builders house - providing ample accommodation. Old and new are seamlessly united by a muscular concrete feature wall running through the interior and exterior with a linear art gallery space, ideal for entertaining. The organic design evolves like a living work of art with beautiful sight lines and framed vistas of the exquisite gardens and views of Western Port Bay. The result is separate but connected spaces which are not only aesthetically beautiful but also highly functional.

The state-of-the-art kitchen is superbly appointed with a long stone island bench – a favorite gathering place, a suite of Miele appliances including an induction cooktop with gas unit, convection microwave, main oven and dishwasher alongside two integrated refrigerator/freezers. No convenience has been overlooked with instant hot water and a Zip tap for boiling and chilled water. The spacious dining room has floating cabinets and windows that frame stunning rural and bay views. The light-filled living room blends into the surrounding gardens with floor-to-ceiling windows opening to a north-facing entertaining terrace. An open fireplace and central living area are oriented towards an entertainment unit that cleverly conceals an automatic lift television.

A second concrete feature wall curves to connect a cantilevered wooden box to the new home. This box contains the spacious and tranquil master suite with further bay views, a dressing room, ensuite bathroom, walk-through library/office with a gas fireplace and an additional powder room. Four further bedrooms are located in the original house, including one with ensuite and connected laundry, alongside two additional living areas, a family bathroom, and a mudroom with second laundry and powder bath.

Appointments include polished concrete floors, high ceilings, under floor heating, split system heating and air conditioning, integrated Bose sound system, Flexi Display hanging system for artwork and electric shade blinds. The property features superbly designed gardens, raised vegetable garden, fruit trees, three dams, six main paddocks, gravity fed stock troughs, timber stock yards, three phase power, ample tank water replenished by rainwater collected from the roof tops, machinery and hay sheds, double remote garage with art store, alarm system, and automatic garden irrigation system.

Within a short drive of Peninsula Link, bay and ocean beaches, Merricks General Store, Balnarring village, golf courses, day spas, national parks, and wineries, this single-level private home is a wonderful lifestyle base from which to access the best offerings on the Peninsula – but why would you want to leave? Everything you could possibly want is right here.

Link: https://powellandglenn.com.au/projects/hilltop-house