Bringalbit nestles in a gentle fold of landscape just below a high point in the rolling granite hills inland from the Great Dividing Range and some 30 kms NNW of Mt. Macedon, Victoria. This area was over-cleared for grazing many years ago, so the few remnant Peppermint Gums, Yellow Box and Manna Gums fail to break the winds. Fortunately the garden is well protected on three sides by huge old confers, willow and poplar thickets, Monterey pines and Osage trees, nearly all planted in the 19th century.

The climate is harsh with hot dry summers, cold wet winters of frequent cracking frosts, occasional snow falls and a strong southerly wind. A small creek rising nearby feeds a couple of dams and the garden lake before cascading down its rocky falls below the spillway. The granite soil is well drained and particularly fertile due to a long and continuous build up of humus from massive oaks and other deciduous trees.

Defined by Mahogany Gums, a kilometre long gravel drive sweeps through rolling pastures drawing the visitor to the garden oasis that enfolds Bringalbit Homestead. This secluded 4 hectare garden has its roots literally in the 19th century, so that first and lasting impressions are of scale, maturity and space. The extensive 19th century stone house sits well in its surroundings as if it grew naturally from the earth.

Quarried on the property, lichen covered granite and mellow honey coloured stone has also been used in garden walls, steps, terracing, creek fords and lake spillway. Unity, continuity and a sense of place are words that spring to mind.

Read more about the history of Bringalbit.