An Architectural Bush Retreat near Yarra Valley

AS SEEN ON DESIGN FILES + HOME & GARDEN

A modernist home among the Birds, Bush + River.

Down a quiet gravel road, deep within the Warrandyte State Park, Casa Warrandyte sits on private native park-like surrounds with direct access to the Yarra River — a sheltered swimming hole only moments away.

A mud-brick home wrapped in warm timbers, Casa carries a beauty that shifts with each season. Designed for slow living, the house is filled with filtered easterly light and expansive glass framing the surrounding bush. A well-equipped home offers a rare, private retreat at the gateway to the Yarra Valley, just 35 minutes from the CBD.

Casa is suited to small groups, families and couples seeking rest, nature and stillness.
Strictly no parties, no outside speakers and no music after 8pm — this is a quiet, sensitive neighbourhood and we honour it with care.

ROOMS

• Master Bedroom
  King bed with premium memory foam/latex mattress, ensuite, and large double-glazed windows capturing the morning sun and eastern bush views.
  

• Queen Room with Additional Single
  Queen bed + single bed, adjoining a shared bathroom with shower.
  

• Double Room
  Double bed with wide easterly windows opening into the native gardens.
  

• The Bungalow
  Ten metres from the main house sits a private bungalow with its own queen bed, bathroom with shower, and serene garden outlook — perfect for quiet retreat, creative work, or additional guests.

• Large patio with outdoor dining, Weber BBQ (available upon request), and generous eaves for shade and shelter.
  

• Private sauna — a warm, grounding ritual to melt into after a day spent by the river or on the trails.
  

• Fenced front section with direct access to a locals-only swimming hole + peaceful fishing spot (3 minutes from the gate).
  

• Expansive bush trails leading directly from the back gate.
  

• Children’s tree swing
  

• Fully equipped kitchen with gas oven, dishwasher, blender.
  

• Washing machine + dryer.
  

• Fireplace; heating and cooling in the master, with main living systems feeding the queen and double rooms.
  

• Outdoor bath for slow evenings under the sky.
  

• TV with Netflix + Disney.

Casa Warrandyte holds much of its original 1970s charm. It is designed as a bush retreat, not a contemporary luxury escape. Wildlife is part of the experience — spiders, occasional snakes in warmer months, and night-time bush sounds are all normal in this environment.

To protect our home, neighbours and environment:

• Strict NO PARTY policy. No unapproved visitors. All guest numbers and expected cars must be provided in advance.
  

• A maximum of five cars onsite. A security camera monitors the driveway for this purpose.
  

• Please take all belongings with you at checkout. We will try to return lost items but cannot guarantee retrieval.
  

• Fire Safety: From December 1 – April 1, no indoor or outdoor fires. On Extreme fire danger days, we recommend vacating the property for safety.
  

• This is a very quiet neighbourhood. Our neighbours’ privacy and peace are paramount.
  

• Pets welcome, but you must inform us of the type and number of pets prior to booking. To help us care for the home, pets are not permitted on furniture. If pets are found on furniture, an additional $50 cleaning fee may apply to allow for the extra care required.
  

• Photo or video shoots (recreational or commercial) require written approval before booking. Unapproved shoots will incur a $1,000 fee.
  

GUEST ACCESS

Guests have access to the entire property, including:

• The main house
  

• The private bungalow (queen bed + bathroom)
  

• The sauna
  

• All outdoor spaces, bush paths, and river access
  
  

A key lockbox makes check-in simple. Guests are left to enjoy the property privately, although Jessie (property manager) is available on call if needed.

LOCATION

• Direct river access: secret local swimming hole within 200 metres.
  

• Extensive bushwalking and running trails straight from the back gate.
  

• A bus route sits at the top of the road (20-minute walk).
  

• Casa sits almost at the end of a gravel road — peaceful, secluded, surrounded by native bush.