AMBROSE BRINGS ENGLISH GARDEN ROMANCE TO WOODEND

Seemingly borrowed from a scene in Bridgerton, or plucked from the pages of a Brontë novel, St Ambrose in the picturesque Macedon Ranges of Victoria is a masterclass in English-inspired charm.

It’s no surprise, then, that the expansive 108ha estate, whose grounds are known as The Enchanted Garden, is the former home of celebrated landscaper Paul Bangay.

St Ambrose is a property with a genuine narrative. The story begins in the 1880s, when the original bones of the modernised homestead were just a humble schoolhouse.

Just over a century later, Bangay bought the country compound and spent a decade transforming it into a magical escape showcased in his iconic book, The Enchanted Garden.

Arranged as a sequence of “rooms”, the grounds are connected by sculptured hedges and framed planting that has been handpicked to connect with the surrounding Macedon landscape.

Now the estate is back on the market via an expressions-of-interest campaign with Campbell Kilsby and Tony Ryan of Kay & Burton Bayside, who are seeking offers between $8 million and $8.8 million. According to title records, it last traded in 2023 for $8 million.

A line of perfectly placed pencil pines frames a structured forecourt, anchored by a central, calming water feature.

Beyond the landmark gardens, the residence has also been revived, crafted into a series of connected pavilions balancing old and new. The former schoolhouse is still part of the story, now integrated into the main living zones.

Inside, the house features epic proportions with high ceilings, big fireplaces, spacious rooms, and expansive glazing that captures the romance of the outdoors from every angle.

The central country kitchen has stone surfaces, an island bench, shaker cabinetry, and French doors to the patio.

There are four bedrooms, including a main suite with a quiet garden outlook, while additional bedrooms are positioned for privacy. At the far end of the vast floor plan, there is also a fully self-contained one-bedroom guest residence for extended family or visitors.

Two separate garages have raked western red cedar ceilings, polished concrete floors, and custom timber doors that open the space up for entertaining in the stately setting. Ordinarily, the garage can accommodate more than five vehicles.

In addition to the heritage-style gardens, the grounds feature a newly rebuilt 20m wet-edge pool with an integrated spa, as well as an upgraded reflection pond complete with new filtration and lighting.

Other recent behind-the-scenes renovations include hydronic heating, air conditioning, irrigation, and water storage.

St Ambrose is close to Woodend Station and is approximately 70kms from Melbourne’s CBD.

St Ambrose at 7 Wood St, Woodend, Victoria, is listed through an expressions-of-interest campaign with Kay & Burton Bayside. Offers close on May 27 at 5 pm, and the price guide is $8 million to $8.8 million.

Sydney watch collectors can now explore the world of Rolex at the dedicated Rolex boutique inside Chatswood Chase, one of the North Shore’s best-known luxury shopping destinations.

Operated in partnership with specialist watch retailer The Hour Glass, the boutique is located on Level 1 of the redeveloped Chatswood retail precinct. It is the eighth dedicated Rolex boutique in Australia and forms part of the Swiss watchmaker’s growing presence across Oceania.

More than simply a place to view watches, the Rolex boutique at Chatswood Chase Sydney has been designed as an immersive environment. Its architecture, materials and private consultation spaces create a setting in which visitors can learn about Rolex watches, their craftsmanship and the history behind the brand.

A Rolex boutique inspired by an iconic design

The boutique’s exterior draws inspiration from one of the most recognisable details in Rolex watchmaking: the fluted bezel.

Originally developed to help seal the Oyster case, the fluted bezel has evolved into a signature Rolex design element. At Chatswood Chase, this familiar motif is translated into a façade of vertically fluted travertine stone.

The architectural reference is subtle but distinctive, connecting the boutique’s physical design with the watches displayed inside.

Travertine continues throughout the interior, where it is paired with walnut accents, deep green upholstery and sculptural lighting. Together, these materials create a sophisticated but comfortable atmosphere suited to both experienced collectors and people exploring Rolex for the first time.

A personalised experience for watch collectors

The layout has been developed to support a more personal approach to choosing and learning about a Rolex watch.

Generously sized consultation tables provide space to examine individual timepieces closely, while two private VIP rooms accommodate more detailed appointments. The boutique can welcome individual clients, couples and larger groups without losing its sense of privacy.

Specialist staff from The Hour Glass are available to explain the features, materials and heritage of the Rolex collection. This expert guidance is particularly valuable given the breadth of Rolex watches and the technical differences between models.

Displays and photography throughout the boutique offer additional context, connecting the watches with the brand’s wider history of precision, performance and exploration.

Rolex and the world of sport

Visitors will also find references to Rolex’s longstanding relationships with leading international sports.

The brand has established strong connections with tennis, yachting and motor sport, supporting major competitions and prominent athletes across each discipline. Imagery inside the Chatswood boutique highlights these partnerships and features selected Rolex Testimonees—the champions and leading figures who represent the brand.

These displays place Rolex watches within a broader story of achievement and endurance. They also demonstrate how the brand has built an identity that extends beyond traditional Swiss watchmaking into sport, culture and exploration.

Rolex watchmaking and the pursuit of precision

Rolex is an independent Swiss watch manufacturer headquartered in Geneva. The company designs, develops and produces most of its watch components at its own facilities in Switzerland.

Its manufacturing capabilities cover numerous stages of production, from casting proprietary gold alloys to machining and finishing cases, dials, bracelets and mechanical movements. This integrated approach gives Rolex close control over the quality and performance of its watches.

The movements used in Rolex Oyster Perpetual and Perpetual watches are tested and certified in-house for precision, reliability and performance. Watches that meet the company’s criteria receive its Superlative Chronometer certification, represented by the green seal.

The word “Superlative”, inscribed on every Rolex Oyster watch, expresses the brand’s pursuit of continual improvement. That philosophy can be traced to founder Hans Wilsdorf and the innovations that shaped the modern wristwatch.

Among the company’s best-known milestones are the Rolex Oyster, introduced in 1926 as the first waterproof wristwatch, and the Perpetual rotor self-winding mechanism, developed in 1931. Rolex has registered more than 700 patents over the course of its history.

The Hour Glass and Rolex in Oceania

The Chatswood Chase location is operated by The Hour Glass, a specialist luxury watch retailer with an established Rolex presence across Oceania.

The company represents Rolex through 10 regional points of sale, comprising five dedicated boutiques and five authorised dealerships. Its stores combine carefully designed retail environments with teams of specialists who assist watch enthusiasts and collectors.

For The Hour Glass, the Chatswood boutique expands access to Rolex for clients on Sydney’s North Shore. Its location within Chatswood Chase also places the brand alongside a curated selection of premium fashion, lifestyle and dining businesses.

Rolex recently celebrated 100 years since it introduced its Rolex Oyster watch back in 1926. To celebrate the milestone they released the Oyster Perpetual 41, which pays homage to the historic original.