PROPERTY OF THE WEEK: AMBROSE BRINGS ENGLISH GARDEN ROMANCE TO WOODEND
A former Paul Bangay estate in the Macedon Ranges blends heritage charm, sculpted gardens and pavilion living across 108 hectares.
2 min
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.
From snow-dusted valleys to festival-filled autumns, Bhutan reveals itself as a rare destination where culture, nature and spirituality unfold year-round.
Odd Culture Group brings a new kind of after-dark energy to the CBD, where daiquiris, disco and design collide beneath the city streets.
A landmark Hamilton Hill residence owned by a prominent Brisbane publican is hitting the market after nearly 13 years, offering sweeping river views, grand entertaining spaces, and timeless Spanish Mission elegance.
2 min
A prominent Brisbane publican is calling last drinks on his long-held Hamilton Hill residence.
James Power, of The Norman Hotel in Woolloongabba, owns the sprawling estate at 33 Markwell Street.
After nearly 13 years, the towering residence is due to welcome its next custodians. Now empty nesters, Power and his wife, Jennifer, are moving on from their substantial six to seven-bedroom pile on 1376sqm.
While the pub baron might be downsizing, Power is reportedly upsizing his hospitality portfolio as he prepares to open The Norman Northside at Enoggera.
“We did a lot of entertaining at Markwell St,” Power said.
“The guest wing means it’s really set up for it, but we are basically empty nesters now, and it’s time for another family to enjoy it.”
The c.1930s Spanish Mission residence last changed hands in 2013 when the Powers bought it for $5.05 million. Fast-forward to 2026, and the period property is on the market via an expressions-of-interest campaign with Matt Lancashire of Ray White Collective Luxury. In keeping with Queensland legislation, no price guide can be published.
Lancashire said Hamilton is widely regarded as one of the capital’s premier suburbs, often ranked among the most expensive addresses in the city.
“Known for its elevated position, river views, and luxury homes, Hamilton is a top choice for affluent buyers,” he said.
High on Hamilton Hill, the historic house has sweeping views across the Brisbane River, Gateway Bridge and out to Moreton Bay.
Designed for the avid entertainer, the Brisbane house has a stately entry foyer and gallery, multiple formal and casual living zones with period fireplaces and French doors to several terraces, courtyards and balconies.
The interiors blend original character with sympathetic updates undertaken during a significant renovation in the early 2000s. There are high coffered 3.1m ceilings, wrought iron balustrades, arched openings, stucco finishes, Mediterranean-inspired terracotta tones, imported doors, and statement chandeliers. Modern touches include the kitchen with Miele appliances, a wine cellar, private gym, and steam room.
Outdoors, the resort-style pool is framed by a covered patio and pool house with a wellness centre, as well as established gardens producing citrus, herbs and chillies.
The ground floor is home to two bedrooms, a study and a bathroom, while upstairs the footprint features four bedrooms and a palatial main suite with a private balcony, a dressing room, and a marble ensuite featuring a double shower and a spa bath.
Down on the lower floor, an expansive rumpus room is the ideal teenager hangout, sitting next to the pool patio, plus an adjoining office or guest bedroom.
Extra bonuses of the Brisbane compound include a six-car garage, ducted air-conditioning, and a dumbwaiter servicing all three levels.
The famed shopping and dining precinct at Racecourse Rd and Portside Wharf is close by, as well as the riverfront and parklands. Ascot State School, St Rita’s and St Margaret’s are within easy reach.
The Hamilton home at 33 Markwell St, Hamilton, QLD, is offered via an expressions of interest campaign, closing on May 8 at 5 pm.
Records keep falling in 2025 as harbourfront, beachfront and blue-chip estates crowd the top of the market.
Ophora Tallawong has launched its final release of quality apartments priced under $700,000.
