A restored century-old homestead is set to be the centrepiece of a new $267 million heritage-inspired over-50s community in New Gisborne, 45-minutes north-west of Melbourne, after it received development approval.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council has green lit the first phase of 116 homes in GemLife New Gisborne, which is planned to feature a total 247 homes, delivered by developer, GemLife, on a 23-hectare site at 72 Ferrier Road.
Offering sweeping views of the Macedon Ranges, about 35% of the site will be dedicated to open space, including the rejuvenation of an existing ornamental garden and orchard, and the preservation of mature 100-year-old oaks, cedars, elms and hedges.
Civil construction is anticipated to commence late this year and be completed over five stages, with the project expected to launch to market in December.
It will be the second over-50s lifestyle resort in the region by GemLife, following its hugely successful $248 million GemLife Woodend, which was completed in 2024.
GemLife Managing Director and Group CEO, Adrian Puljich said New Gisborne’s idyllic environment was ideal for the over-50s community, which was sensitively designed to complement the existing landscape.
“We’ve taken design cues from the existing settler homestead and surrounding gardens to create a community that is in keeping with the charm of this beautiful region,” he said.
“There’s huge demand and short supply of downsizer housing in the area, so we’re anticipating interest from people relocating from large properties and family homes, and from those moving here for the relaxed pace and great lifestyle on offer.”
GemLife engaged Melbourne architect, Taylor Knights and landscape team, Taylor Cullity Lethean, to reimagine the property’s circa-1908 Westport Homestead and gardens, built by the pioneering Hamilton family, into a $20 million heritage and luxury amenity hub for residents.
The exterior of the bungalow-style home will be restored to its original condition and the interior renovated with a heritage style to house a library, meeting room and traditional billiards room. Its expansive verandah will offer views of the Macedon Ranges, courtyard gardens and a lawn bowls green.
Two new contemporary Country Club buildings will be connected under one roof and feature a lounge, cafe, dining, kitchen, pool, gym, arts and crafts studio and cinema, surrounding a courtyard garden with a sculptural brick fireplace centrepiece.
Taylor Knights director, James Taylor – who designed the buildings with colleague Peter Knights – said the restoration would provide a unique atmosphere that contrasted with the modern spaces.
“The mix of heritage and contemporary elements creates a rich variety of spaces — from intimate homestead rooms with heritage fireplaces to the expansive clubrooms featuring 3.6-metre-high floor-to-ceiling glazing that frames views of the Macedon Ranges,” said Mr Taylor.
“We have designed with the ‘inside out’ approach, prioritising the experience of the interior spaces and their connection to the rural landscape.
“The facilities emphasise community at their core, acting as a social hub to foster connection, everyday interaction and a sense of comfort and belonging.”
Mr Puljich said GemLife New Gisborne’s heritage inspiration would be evident from arrival.
“The community’s gated entry will be constructed of stone and timber, while our low-maintenance homes will blend historic charm and modern design, featuring weatherboard cladding, pitched metal roofs and entry porches complemented by contemporary finishes and fittings,” he said.
“Each home will feature two-bedrooms plus a multipurpose room, with an open-plan layout, and be built using energy-efficient materials and appliances.”
Mr Puljich said the location close to shopping, entertainment and essential services — with the Melbourne Airport 30 minutes away, and rail links available to the heart of the city — made New Gisborne a popular choice for downsizers.
“It’s a great lifestyle — with farm-fresh produce, local wineries and distilleries, historic towns, and natural beauty to explore at places like Hanging Rock and the Macedon Regional Park,” he said.
As a land lease community, buyers at GemLife New Gisborne will own their home and rent the land, with a weekly site fee covering gated security, maintenance and management. There are no entry, exit or stamp duty fees, and homeowners retain all capital gains.
