A picturesque setting

What was born out of necessity has become a stylish and welcoming retreat surrounded by beautiful countryside.

Photography by Leon Schoots

Taking in majestic views of rolling hills, mountains and olive trees, you could be forgiven for thinking you were in the Italian countryside. But the Grove Studio Apartment is nestled in Harcourt North, in the heart of the incredible Central Victorian landscape. It was the ideal setting for owners Paul and Janet Rockes to build. They first constructed this self-contained unit and resided in it until their main home was finished. The Grove Studio Apartment is now used as accommodation. Custom-built using precast concrete panels, it boasts rustic charm and modern aesthetics. Paul explains that the couple made all the decisions regarding furnishings and finishes, both internally and externally. The result is a property that uses materials in their rawest form in a seemingly simple construction, yet with a welcoming warmth and understated character, as well as that rustic appeal that Australian country properties are renowned for. “We wanted to keep that semi-industrial look,” he says. “It was built to be practical.” However, their desire for practicality means the house is serendipitously on-trend. The interior sees contrasting finishes come together to create a look that’s natural and stylish. The interior walls are lined with plywood, which retains its natural finish. These complement the polishedconcrete floors and together provide thermal protection against the winter chill. The unit is designed to be used by a couple. It’s intimate and uncluttered, boasting everything guests need to be comfortable, including a separate ensuite with large shower head, dining and lounge area, as well as kitchen. Visitors can enjoy a morning cuppa or evening glass of red in front of the wood fire. There’s also the convenience of reverse-cycle heating and cooling split-system and ceiling fans.

“It has the most luxurious king-size bed and from there, you can look through the glazed window and double doors over the olive trees,” Paul says. “We can offer barbecue packs, a selection of local wine, breakfast packs and cheese or grazing platters.” The property is surrounded by 20 acres of land with an olive grove, three dams and magnificent elevated views that extend to Mount Franklin and beyond. The vast open sky also means the evenings provide amazing sunsets and star-filled skies. It is separated from the private main residence, with a secure remote-controlled garage provided for guest vehicles. During the day, there are relaxing walks around the beautiful property and several areas that are ideal for a picnic, including a 100-year-old gum tree beside a large dam. In the warmer months, the decking and solar-heated pool beckon, while there is an abundance of local wildlife year-round, including kangaroos and rosellas to appreciate. And if visitors are really lucky, there could be a wombat or echidna roaming the property. The property is centrally located, providing a great base for visiting the many attractions that our region has to offer. Some local attractions to enjoy during a stay include the Oak Forest and Mount Alexander regional park for bushwalking and scenic views of the region, or a film at the Theatre Royal in Castlemaine. There are also many wineries to visit, including Bress, Blackjack Wines, Harcourt Valley Vineyards, Killiecrankie Wines, Mount Alexander Winery, Sutton Grange Winery, Balgownie Estate, Mandurang Valley Wines and Welshmans Reef Vineyard. The studio is centrally located on the boundary of the City of Greater Bendigo and Mount Alexander Shire, with Bendigo, Castlemaine and Maldon all less than 30 minutes’ drive away. It’s also only eight minutes to the Harcourt mountain bike trail and under one-and-ahalf hours to Melbourne.

CROOKED KITCHEN

GLUTEN-FREE | ORGANIC | HEALTHY CHOICE CAFÉ

We are Bendigo’s only completely gluten-free take-away café with a wide range of options no matter your dietary needs. We have a passion for rustic, café style food with organic, local produce delivered with friendly service.

crookedkitchenbendigo.com

MS BATTERHAMS

WINE | COCKTAILS | EUROPEAN INSPIRED MENU

Ms Batterhams is the new girl with a past. Set in the basement of the old school hall at Mackenzie Quarters and converted into a sophisticated yet unpretentious lounge bar. Open Thursday - Sunday for lunch and dinner and all day dining on the weekend.

mackenziequarters.com

CAFE ISTANBUL

TURKISH KEBABS | SALAD | GF & VEGETARIAN OPTIONS

Offering delicious freshly homemade breads, dips, salads, baklava and turkish delights. Our local favourite kebabs are made from real lamb shoulder in 3 sizes including; jumbo, regular and mini. HSPs, burgers and falafel also available.

CAFE ESSENCE

COFFEE | CAKE | LUNCH | FUNCTIONS | CATERING

Whether it be a beautiful breakfast, lazy lunch or special occasion we are sure to have it covered. Come in today and enjoy a local wine on our balcony and soak up the Bull Street food precinct. Open Tues - Fri 7am - 3pm and Sat 8am - 2pm.

cafeessencebendigo.com

MICK’S FRESH FISH & TAKEAWAY

FISH & CHIPS | HAMBURGERS | SALADS | DINE-IN

The seafood used in our takeaway, dine-in dishes and sold to public, is purchased fresh and direct from the Melbourne fish markets. Come and try our delicious food, just across from Lake Weeroona. Gluten-free options available.

micksoceanfresh.com.au

BUNJA THAI

AUTHENTIC THAI FOOD | DINE IN | TAKEAWAY

Bringing fresh and delicious Thai food to Bendigo’s CBD with Thai chefs and table service in an amazing Gold Rush Architectural masterpiece. Fully licensed and open for lunch Mon-Fri and dinner from 5pm Mon-Sat.