{"id":15562,"date":"2025-04-13T04:25:19","date_gmt":"2025-04-13T04:25:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/15562\/"},"modified":"2025-04-13T04:25:19","modified_gmt":"2025-04-13T04:25:19","slug":"how-an-old-timber-mill-site-has-been-transformed-into-a-breathtaking-tuscan-inspired-estate-that-took-16-years-to-create-heaven-on-earth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/15562\/","title":{"rendered":"How an old timber mill site has been transformed into a breathtaking Tuscan-inspired estate that took 16 years to create: ‘Heaven on earth’"},"content":{"rendered":"

A five-acre slice of the ‘Italian countryside’ is now to be found nestled in Victoria’s Alpine foothills.<\/p>\n

Known as Planetrees Estate, the sprawling property in Stanley, three hours from Melbourne<\/a>, has two stunning homes, world-class gardens, and one of the first natural swimming pools ever constructed in Australia.<\/p>\n

The home is the product of the vision, artistry – plus 16 years of labour\u00a0 – of architect and former fashion designer Genevieve Milham.<\/p>\n

‘When I found this place, it was a bare, depleted timber mill site. No gardens, no topsoil. Just a couple of rustic structures and paddocks that had been stripped back by years of milling,’ Genevieve told FEMAIL.<\/p>\n

‘I saw it and thought, this is it. This is the canvas.’<\/p>\n

Having spent years working and living in Europe, Milham brought back a deep appreciation for Tuscan and Provencal aesthetics – a sensibility that would ultimately define Planetrees.<\/p>\n

‘The garden was always central to the vision. I wanted something you just don’t see in Australia – lush, layered, evocative of a European estate. A place where time slows,’ she said – so that’s exactly what she created.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"A <\/p>\n

A five-acre slice of the Italian countryside is nestled in Victoria’s Alpine foothills<\/p>\n

\"'When <\/p>\n

‘When I found this place, it was a bare, depleted timber mill site. No gardens, no topsoil. Just a couple of rustic structures and paddocks that had been stripped back by years of milling,’ Genevieve told FEMAIL<\/p>\n

\"Known <\/p>\n

Known as Planetrees Estate, the sprawling property offers two stunning homes, world-class gardens, and one of the first natural swimming pools ever constructed in Australia<\/p>\n

\"The <\/p>\n

The property is now on the market for $4.3-$4.5million<\/p>\n

Today, the estate is a masterclass in garden design: over 300 deciduous trees, towering hedges, orchard groves, perennial borders, a vegetable garden, and sculptural elements, including a bocce court, a giant chess set and a circular lawn ideal for cricket or croquet.<\/p>\n

‘There’s a rhythm to the garden,’ Genevieve explained.<\/p>\n

‘I designed it like a series of rooms, each revealing itself slowly. You can walk for an hour and still feel like you’re discovering it.’<\/p>\n

At the heart of the property sits the Tuscan-style main residence – a four-bedroom home with thick stone walls, reclaimed timber beams from the Nagambie Bridge, and oversized windows framing garden views.<\/p>\n

‘The timber beams are massive, truly rare materials. They bring this grounding, organic feel to the house. You walk in and instantly feel held by it,’ she said.<\/p>\n

A rose-covered pergola connects the home to an intimate entertaining terrace, complete with a wood-fired pizza oven and barbecue.<\/p>\n

Terraced gravel walkways stretch both north and south, encouraging morning coffees and sunset aperitifs alike.<\/p>\n

\"The <\/p>\n

The crown jewel of Planetrees is the 16-metre natural swimming pool, designed by an Austrian company renowned for its eco-conscious designs – and the first of its kind ever built in Australia<\/p>\n

\"Having <\/p>\n

Having spent years working and living in Europe, Milham brought back a deep appreciation for Tuscan and Provencal aesthetics – a sensibility that would ultimately define Planetrees<\/p>\n

\"The <\/p>\n

The main house also includes a separate one-bedroom apartment – ideal for guests or extended family<\/p>\n

\"The <\/p>\n

The house, Genevieve says, suits ‘anyone with a sense of imagination and appreciation for beauty’ – though she believes it’s best lived in with others<\/p>\n

‘It’s designed for gathering,’ Genevieve said.<\/p>\n

‘We’ve had long-table dinners under the pergola, family lunches on the lawn. The seasons shape the experience – the colours in autumn, the flowers in spring, the fireplaces in winter.’<\/p>\n

The main house also includes a separate one-bedroom apartment – ideal for guests or extended family – while the second residence, a rustic lodge, adds another four bedrooms.<\/p>\n

It’s been carefully restored with a nod to the Australian vernacular: exposed beams, stonework, and cosy textures throughout.<\/p>\n

‘People love the lodge. It feels like a mountain retreat. It has its own garden, covered dining area – a bit more secluded but still very much part of the whole,’ Genevieve said.<\/p>\n

Another standout is the enormous Australian-style shed – timber and iron-clad, with vast east and west-facing doors that capture breathtaking views.<\/p>\n

Fully wired with internet and phone, the property has been used for everything from weddings and exhibitions to painting workshops and retreats.<\/p>\n

‘I’ve hosted artists, creatives, even a few weddings when the weather allowed,’ she said.<\/p>\n

\"The <\/p>\n

The estate is a masterclass in garden design: over 300 deciduous trees, towering hedges, orchard groves, perennial borders, a vegetable garden, and sculptural elements<\/p>\n

\"Terraced <\/p>\n

Terraced gravel walkways stretch both north and south, encouraging morning coffees and sunset aperitifs alike<\/p>\n

\"Another <\/p>\n

Another standout is the enormous Australian-style shed – timber and iron-clad, with vast east and west-facing doors that capture breathtaking views<\/p>\n

‘And if it didn’t, we just moved into the shed. It’s such a versatile space – you could store classic cars, host events, or just make it your studio.’<\/p>\n

But perhaps the crown jewel of Planetrees is the 16-metre natural swimming pool, designed by an Austrian company renowned for its eco-conscious designs – and the first of its kind ever built in Australia.<\/p>\n

‘I didn’t want a chlorinated pool. I wanted something beautiful, alive,’ Genevieve explained.<\/p>\n

‘This one looks like a lake. When you swim, you’re surrounded by reeds, irises, lilies. Dragonflies skim the surface. Birds drink from it. It’s magic.’<\/p>\n

Fed by a groundwater bore and surrounded by rambling plantings, the pool is more than functional – it’s poetic.<\/p>\n

‘It’s a favourite spot for guests. They sit on the deck with wine, watching the wildlife. It’s completely immersive.’<\/p>\n

Despite its scale and sophistication, the property is remarkably low-maintenance, thanks to smart design and thoughtful infrastructure.<\/p>\n

An automated irrigation system keeps the extensive garden thriving, while Genevieve manages the estate largely on her own with just one part-time gardener and a lawnmower contractor.<\/p>\n

\"The <\/p>\n

The main house also includes a separate one-bedroom apartment – ideal for guests or extended family – while the second residence, a rustic lodge, adds another four bedrooms\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Despite <\/p>\n

Despite its scale and sophistication, the property is remarkably low-maintenance, thanks to smart design and thoughtful infrastructure<\/p>\n

\"Set <\/p>\n

Set at 700 metres above sea level, Stanley offers cool summers, crisp winters, and the occasional dusting of snow<\/p>\n

‘In summer, I barely have to do anything,’ she laughed.<\/p>\n

‘Maybe a bit of deadheading. In winter, we prune. But it’s all established now – the garden looks after itself.’<\/p>\n

The house, she says, suits ‘anyone with a sense of imagination and appreciation for beauty’ – though she believes it’s best lived in with others.<\/p>\n

‘This place comes alive when it’s full. It’s ideal for an extended family, or someone looking to continue the accommodation side of things. It’s built to be shared.’<\/p>\n

And the location couldn’t be better.<\/p>\n

Set at 700 metres above sea level, Stanley offers cool summers, crisp winters, and the occasional dusting of snow.<\/p>\n

Falls Creek ski resort is just 90 minutes away, while Albury airport is also a mere 60-minute drive.<\/p>\n

‘It’s never stinking hot here. You get the full theatre of the seasons – golden leaves in autumn, vibrant florals in spring, misty mornings in winter. And all just ten minutes from Beechworth’s cafes, wineries and shops.’<\/p>\n

After nearly two decades, Genevieve is finally ready to pass on the baton.<\/p>\n

‘I’ve done what I set out to do. I created a tranquil haven from nothing. It’s time for someone else to write the next chapter.’<\/p>\n

The estate is now on the market for $4.3-$4.5million.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A five-acre slice of the ‘Italian countryside’ is now to be found nestled in Victoria’s Alpine foothills. Known…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":15563,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3939],"tags":[4021,4020,186,92,4022,77,368,1268,1464,16,15],"class_list":{"0":"post-15562","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-arts-and-design","8":"tag-arts","9":"tag-arts-and-design","10":"tag-australia","11":"tag-dailymail","12":"tag-design","13":"tag-entertainment","14":"tag-femail","15":"tag-homes","16":"tag-melbourne","17":"tag-uk","18":"tag-united-kingdom"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/114328761439460927","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15562","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15562"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15562\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15563"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15562"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15562"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15562"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}