Not so long ago, Mount Eliza’s Daveys Bay was part of Frankston, as were the hills and dales of inland Frankston South up to Sweetwater Creek. Hillside Lodge, built in 1879 on 78 acres and improved in the 1950s, has the distinct imprint of the weatherboard holiday homes popular in the area during the middle of last century with touches of local folklore owners of the home have carefully reconstructed.

*The view from the kitchen takes in mature olive tree, tennis court and a shed secluded within the mature garden.*

There’s still work to be done in uncovering historical facts and significance about the property, including whether or not Prince Charles spent a weekend exeat here whilst at Geelong Grammar’s Timbertop campus. It brings into focus homes like Hillside Lodge are never truly owned, but rather held in trust for generations to come.

*Old world charm hides a swimming pool within the property’s large footprint, where hedging and landscaping ensure complete privacy.*

There’s an old-world, country living charm, retained through numerous subdivisions narrowing it down to a manageable acre at 8 Parkland Close. On the market with RT Edgar after a relatively short stay by its current owners, it’s move-in comfortable but with enough projects to keep the curious, architectural adventurer occupied. Wet areas were improved to reflect a timeless aesthetic around 10 years ago and the en tout cas tennis court has been completely renovated under the current caretaker-owners for an enduring weekends in the country year-round vibe.

*A grand entry via the towering hedge from the street hints at the property’s heritage charm.*

Refined views of the garden are framed throughout along corridors, large living areas and bedrooms tucked away for complete privacy on days that melt into warm nights in the many outdoor rooms. The towering magnolia grandiflora and a hedge enclosing the pool and front garden bring greatness to life where rolling lawns would have you forget this well-shaded property is a short walk to Minimbah and an easy drive to Mount Eliza’s Village where a tradition of the landscaped environment has evolved over time.

*One of numerous outdoor rooms, this one steps out from the dining for alfresco living by a pizza oven. A recent, but nonetheless, timeless addition to the home.*

As the Greek saying goes, “Societies become great when old men plant trees the shade of which they will never sit in.”