When Kate Weatherley describes her father Ian’s much-loved Macleod home, she speaks with the kind of warmth that can only come from a lifetime of memories.

Ian, a retired craftsman, builder, carpenter, and artist, purchased the home in 1982 — becoming just its second owner.

‘Dad was the first person to see the home when it was listed, and was signing contracts within hours of viewing it,’ Kate says. ‘He was struck by the design of the home centred around the open-air courtyard, the large windows and surrounding garden.

‘Details like the teak panelling, crazy-paved slate, and breeze blocks all made the home feel special.’

The property, designed by architect and engineer David Frank Cowell Ham in 1960, sits proudly within the Victoria Cross Estate — a pocket of streets named in honour of Australian Victoria Cross recipients.

‘Cowell Ham was known for his work on cinemas, theatres and hotels,’ Kate says. ‘This house was modeled on his own home.’

For Ian, the home’s indoor-outdoor connection was immediately reminiscent of the designs of Robin Boyd.

‘The courtyard doors are open most of the year — it really serves as a second living room,’ says Kate. ‘We love the raked ceilings that give a sense of light and space, and the open fireplace.’

Since purchasing the property, the family has given it a careful refresh — updating without compromising its mid-century integrity.

‘The kitchen and laundry have been sensitively modernised with new appliances, cabinetry, and a coffee station,’ Kate says.

‘Colour choices have been guided by the colours in the original Castlemaine slate crazy paving and concrete bricks, as well as the original teak panelling.’

The home’s breeze block frontage, slate-paved courtyard with kitchen servery, and generous windows are among Kate’s favourite features, along with the east-facing bedrooms that look out to private gardens, and the original bathroom tiles.

Set within a leafy enclave, the location offers both tranquillity and convenience.

‘There’s birdsong throughout the day, and proximity to conservation reserves and walking trails,’ says Kate. ‘But you’re also five minutes from the train, great coffee, and local shops.’

Now, as the family prepares to part with the home after more than four decades, Kate says, ‘We’ll miss everything… We’re very sad and reluctant to leave this much-loved and special home, but Dad needs to move to access support services.”

This mid-century gem is looking for a new owner to enjoy it as much as the Weatherley’s have.

17 Cherry Street, Macleod, VIC, is listed for sale with Nunzio Sulfaro, Denise Kriaris and Ivan Sulfaro from Nelson Alexander and will go to auction on November 29, 10.30am AEST.