Hillplains House + Cottage 

Luxury off-grid.

Hillplains includes a three-bedroom house and a one-bedroom cottage that can be enjoyed together or separately.

Hillplains House + Cottage
4 bedroom - Sleeps 8 | Metcalfe
From $1200 per night + Cleaning

+ Book Entire Property

or

Hillplains House 3 bedroom - Sleeps 6 + Book Now

Hillplains Cottage 1 bedroom - Sleeps 2 + Book Now

Luxury off-grid.

Hillplains House + Cottage
4 bedroom - Sleeps 8 | Metcalfe
From $1200 per night + Cleaning

Scroll down to book the House or Cottage separately

Hillplains House and Hillplains Cottage, designed by Wolveridge Architects and previously the home of founder Jerry Wolveridge and Christina Thedorou is now available for stays through Flophouse Accommodation. Having stayed at the property (in the name of guest research)  what really sets this offer apart is the fact that the luxury feel is combined with a 100% off-grid experience. 

The house and the cottage are beautifully appointed, in Metcalfe, 100 kms from Melbourne, with panoramic views of Mount Macedon, Heathcote and Greenhill ranges. The very private location backs on to state forest and is home to a large mob of kangaroos and other native fauna.

Inspired by the agricultural setting, the Architect Owners have created two dwellings, made from typically agricultural materials. Timbers, plywood, steel framing, polished concrete and concrete masonry brickwork that are used to great effect to create not only a dramatic aesthetic but for thermal properties and fire resistance. 

A richly textured garden, by landscape designers Tim Nicholas and Mel Ogden softens the industrial elements and provides privacy for guests that wish to book separately. Guests have the choice to book the main house that sleeps up to six guests and comprises three bedrooms and a generous living and dining area or the cottage, a luxurious one bedroom villa that is privy to the natural pool and private courtyard. 

Designed and constructed using Ecologically Sustainable Design principles at the forefront. While there are no “domestic finishes” the house feels intrinsically comfortable. The house and cottage are powered by solar, back up battery and generator. Heating is supplied via a wood burning furnace that heats panel heaters in the main house and two wood combustion fires in the house and cottage. 

Metcalfe is is part of Mount Alexander Shire. The Dja Dja Wurrung are the traditional owners of the region. We respect and acknowledge the vital role of the the Djaara people as the custodians of the area where Hillplains is located.

Fancy bits

  • Natural swimming pool 

  • Complimentary breakfast provisions

  • Catering available on request - Visit Daylesford Gourmet to order a gourmet box to be available when you arrive

  • Aspar body products 

  • Hotel quality beds & bed linen

  • Private setting wth panoramic views

  • Late checkout available for Flophouse guests


“The Hill Plains House provided a perfect setting for an unforgettable family getaway. The award-winning property incorporates contemporary architecture and breathtaking views of rolling hills and Mt Macedon with a unique off-grid eco-friendly living experience. Every detail of the property has been thoughtfully considered to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Hill Plains House is conveniently located for exploring local attractions including wineries, restaurants, country pubs and historic towns. We loved it so much that we extended our stay! Thank you to Genevieve and her team for their exceptional hospitality and support throughout our stay.”
Paul

Read on for more Flophouse reviews

Hillplains House. 

3 bedroom - Sleeps 6
From $600 per night + Cleaning

Arriving at Hillplains House, the now gently fading black butt exterior leads to a dramatic dark messmate interior that is softened by a giant wall of 1650 timber off cuts. Concrete benchtops in the kitchen and bathroom are moody yet practical. Furnishings include sofas and a coffee table designed by Jerry Wolveridge and mid century pieces by Hans Wagner and from the office of the late Sri Lankan architect, Geoffrey Bawa. In the bedrooms hotel quality beds, Aura Home bed linen and black out blinds enable the deepest of sleeps. There is one master bedroom with an egg shaped stone bath designed by local Deborah Boyd, a separate shower room and toilet. On the other side of the living space is a separate wing that includes two further bedrooms and a designated workspace. 

Publications: 

  • Inside Out Magazine / Hill Plains House, May 12, 2011

  • Elle Decoration UK Magazine / Hill Plains House, September 1, 2011

  • Artichoke Magazine Special Issue / Hill Plains House, October 20, 2011

  • Sanctuary Magazine / Hill Plains House, November 1, 2011

  • Off The Grid / Hill Plains House, February 21, 2019 

Awards:

  • Australian Interior Design Awards, Best Residential Design,  2011

  • Australian Interior Design Awards, Best of State Residential, 2011 

  • Australian Interior Design Awards, Commendation, Colour in Residential Interior, 2011 

  • Australian Interior Design Awards, Commendation, Residential Decoration 2011 

  • Australian Architecture Awards, Best Sustainable Architecture, 2011 Hill Plains House 

Features

  • One King Bed in Master bedroom with views over the surrounding State Forest and dam

  • Two Queen Beds (each separate rooms is available on request) 

  • Egg bathtub by Deborah Boyd, Boyd Interiors 

  • Fully equipped, very large galley style kitchen with fridge, freezer, oven, dishwasher etc 

  • Pantry with all the basics including olive oil, balsamic, spices, tea, coffee etc 

  • Architect designed furnishings 

  • Art by Anna Gibson,Isamu Sawa and others

  • Wi-fi available 

  • No TV.  Yes it works, just old school, no remote - can show you how, remote is on the way

  • Wood Fire 

  • Wood burning furnace to provide hydronic heating 

  • Solar powered with back up battery 

  • Large sliding doors with flyscreens offering cross ventilation 

  • 8* star energy rated house 

  • Pool available subject to bookings at the Cottage - please check with Flophouse Accommodation to enquire about availability if you are not sure 

  • BBQ


Hillplains Cottage. 

1 bedroom - Sleeps 2
From $500 per night + Cleaning

Hillplains Cottage was designed and constructed over 2015 - 2016 by Jerry Wolveridge and Christina Thedorou as an independent, self-contained luxurious, one room villa for guests and a recreational space for family and friends. Sheltered from the prevailing winds by an outdoor courtyard with natural water ponds and a pool with a luxury guest wing that includes a large bedroom with views over the hills, walk-in shower, kitchenette and living area with Scandinavian wood stove. Outside a pool pavilion provides a sheltered place to read and take in the spectacular vistas.  

Publications: 

Green Magazine / Hill Plains Cottage, July 14, 2017

Belle Magazine / Hill Plains Cottage, July 6, 2017

Features

  • One Queen Bed in generously proportioned bedroom with panoramic views over Mount Macedon and Heathcote ranges

  • Fully appointed private ensuite with walk in shower and Aspar toiletries 

  • Fully equipped kitchenette with fridge, freezer, oven, dishwasher and outside BBQ 

  • Pantry with all the basics including olive oil, balsamic, spices, tea, coffee etc 

  • Danish slow combustion wood heater 

  • Art by Saskia Fernando, Zetta and Kanta Derek Swalwell

  • Wi-fi available

  • No TV so bring a book 

  • Large sliding doors with retractable flyscreens offering cross ventilation and view to pool 

  • Solar powered with back up battery and 8* star energy rating

  • Seasonal natural swimming pool - approximately November to March


  • • Take the V-Line Bendigo Service

    • Get off on the Malmsbury stop. 

    • Call Woodend Taxi Service, Red Ride Share  0488 875 683

  • • From Melbourne take the Calder in the Direction of Bendigo

    • Malmsbury freeway exit.

    • Go down the Malmsbury Metcalf road towards Metcalf.

    • Take a left onto Metcalf Taradale road, it’s about 800m up on the left.

    • Approximately 1.5 hours from the big smoke 

    • Directions to the house will be emailed to you 24hrs before your arrival

Location: Mount Alexander