Places we love: Discover a slice of Maldon magic
Teleisha Thomas
December 2024Nestled in the heart of historic Maldon, 21 Boundary Road is a property that perfectly balances charm, comfort, and connection to nature. Owned by beloved Travel Guides stars Kevin and Janetta, this stunning home reflects their passion for exploring the world and finding beauty in every corner. Set within charming gardens and glimpses of nearby countryside, the property is a testament to tranquil living. With its homely feel, inviting spaces, and prime location in one of Victoria’s most picturesque towns, this is more than a home—it’s an escape to a new lifestyle.
Can you share the story of how you came to own this beautiful property in Maldon? What drew you to it initially?
Back in 2019 we became a little restless living in the house we’d created in Maldon. I’d seen another ugly ducking house about 500 metres from us which screamed ‘challenge’. Honestly, Janetta couldn’t understand why I’d even consider taking it on as a project. It was a quest that would take a lot of love to bring back to life. Everything either needed rebuilding, repairing or replacing.
How have you designed the gardens to complement the surroundings?
There were several factors that gave the house and land enormous appeal, the first being the terrific views over the goldfields to Mt Tarrengower on the other side of town. Climbing up the gentle slope of a hill, the land, when added to the curtlege which adjoins the title, claims views which are arguably the best in Maldon. It was also the perfect environment to create a substantial and beautiful garden.
How did you tackle the renovation?
Working within the existing footprint we converted workspaces to ensuites and removed infrastructure that just wasn’t going to work in the new house. There was a bathroom in the middle of the lounge room that clearly had to be relocated as did the toilet that took prime position in the dining room! We put a lot of thought into the redesign and configuration.
Were there any special renovations or updates you made during your time here?
While we’ve kept the redesign of the home as close to the original as possible we’ve included a lot of elements to make life easier. We replaced the wood burning fire with natural gas heating, included a/c in all rooms and opened up window spaces to bring in the natural light. The décor we ended up with is classical and timeless, incorporating touches of Hamptons style in the gentle colour palette. We even incorporated a couple of influences from our travels.
The interiors have a distinct charm—what inspired the design choices throughout the home?
The reimagining of the house took about seven months to complete and it was then time to give the cottage its well-deserved makeover. We built a new bedroom, recreated a rustic bathroom, a cute kitchen and living room. Making it a self-contained, stand-alone entity with loads of personality. It’s the added bonus every home should have and can be used for so many different purposes. By the end of 2020 we had the house we wanted. The garden grew into its thoughtful design and within a couple of years looked like it belonged in a modest English manor.
How do you find living in one of Victoria’s most picturesque towns?
Living in Maldon has been the perfect fit for us. We love the home and the town is a special place where the sense of community drives its charm. As regular travellers we have an easy commute to the airport and we often jump on the train from Castlemaine to be in Melbourne within 1.5 hours. Far enough from town to be country, yet close enough for a daily commute.
21 Boundary Road, Maldon is on the market with Jellis Craig Central Victoria.
Contact Leah Panos for more information.
