12 Salisbury Road

SARUM A Private Garden Sanctuary

A Roy Simpson AO house in 4,600 m² of private garden, bordered by Turritable Creek

Behind the hedge, the road falls away and the garden takes over.

Designed in 1991 for Sir Thomas and Lady Mimi Ramsay to a four-word brief: air, light, grace, tranquillity. Three ensuited bedrooms plus a snug that works as a fourth, a short walk to Mount Macedon Primary School and the village.

The house

Every room was designed to keep the garden in view.

• Double-brick, two-level home by Gold Medal architect Roy Simpson AO
• Central gallery hall with solid timber map drawers and bookshelves
• Formal lounge with ornate ceiling and Cheminées Philippe fireplace
• Dining and family rooms opening north to the garden
• Separate library and study
• Updated kitchen: stone benchtops, Miele induction cooktop, two ovens, double dishwasher drawers
• Three bedrooms, each with its own ensuite; main with walk-in robe and snug (or fourth bedroom)

The garden

Thirty years of planting, a creek along one side, and paths that take their time. "It is a house made for gardeners, not just to look out on but to be in, to work in," says the owner.

• Approximately 4,600 m², laid out by Joan Law-Smith and Mimi Ramsay, never open to the public
• Turritable Creek along one boundary, running towards the Stanley Park waterfall
• Wisteria and hydrangea walks, and a pond of iris and water lilies
• Covered espaliered orchard of cherries, apples and quinces
• Large vegetable garden and wildflower meadow

Location

• Walk to Mount Macedon Primary School, the Mount Macedon Hotel and the village
• About 50 minutes to Melbourne
• Private behind a tall hedge, with a quiet lane on the other side

Built to last

• Double-brick construction, double glazing
• Ducted reverse-cycle heating and solar power
• Extensive water storage and garden irrigation
• Dedicated firefighting provisions
• Integrated double garage and powered storage
• Potting area with hot and cold water