The Underground House Olinda

Welcome to our one-of-a-kind earth sheltered home, nestled into a one acre mature garden. Grand beech trees, scotch elm, maples, gingko and tree ferns cocoon you from the world. The sustainable green roof insulates the home and supports a vegetable garden. Inside, the home features timber felled from the footprint of the house. Soak in the brass bath by one of the ponds and wood fire. Walk to Olinda shops, Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden & National Park, bush tracks and cafes/restaurants. The space This home was the vision of determined local woman, Pat Sanders. Pat long dreamt of this home, designed it herself, had plans drawn up by green architect John Pizzey and had it built in the early 1980's. As a trained horticulturalist, she spent much of her time creating and maintaining the lush garden. We are the second owners. We love its original details, such as the large copper range hood, the feature wall of gnarled blackwood near the entry and the handmade tiles in the kitchen and toilet. The blackwood benchtops and wall panelling show off the beautiful timber that once grew here. The home is very quiet, cocooned in the earth. It is very private and warm in winter, cool in summer. Outside, old trees tower over the garden - beech, scotch elm, birch, tulip and gingko. The roof is covered in grass and a large vegetable garden which we used all year round. Large windows face into the garden making you feel cocooned in the landscape (without being cold!). It really is a magical property, in all seasons. Guest access Guests will have the entire house and property to use. This includes the one acre garden, car port, trampoline, BBQ and outdoor area. The built in garage and garden shed is kept locked for storing equipment for the owners. The front part of the green roof is off limits because of obvious safety concerns. There is pool fencing in place to keep children from wandering in. You can see the roof easily (and safely) from the fencing. Other things to note Be prepared for cooler weather up on the mountain. We are situated at almost the very top of the Dandenong Ranges, and it can be as much as 5 degrees Celcius cooler up here. The home is cosy, but do bring extra warm clothing to allow you to enjoy seeing Olinda's nearby attractions properly.