Castlemaine’s new eco-village The Paddock is the brainchild of Neil and Heather Barrett from the Hub Foundation. The village offers a ground-breaking model of sustainable living for people seeking a green lifestyle, a sense of community, and closer links to nature. We Push Buttons is proud to support such an innovative and green initiative in our town by providing publicity support for the next stage of the project.
After the success of Stage 1, Stage 2 is now being launched for those interested in investing in a new way of living.
The Paddock eco village is inviting you to attend open days every Saturday and Sunday between 2-3 pm in February 2020, 19 Reckleben Street, Castlemaine.
The leading-edge project comprises 27 architect-designed 8.5 energy-rated houses, with around two-thirds of the total area dedicated to shared food gardens, wetlands, native gardens, and orchards.
The Paddock provides a tranquil, bushland setting for those wishing to tread gently on the earth while connecting with like-minded neighbours.
The Hon Steve Bracks, AC, former Premier of Victoria, who attended the opening of The Paddock on 5th December 2019, described the eco-village as ‘…a truly inspirational response to the climate change crisis and at the same time a highly innovative housing solution. I’ve no doubt that it will become a model for similar projects around Australia and internationally’.
Neil and Heather Barrett with the Hon, Steve Bracks at The Paddock Eco Village, Castlemaine. Photo: Brendan McCarthy
The Paddock’s houses are made from timber and recycled brick wherever possible. Homes will be powered by a 4kW grid-connected solar system, ranging in size from 2 to 4 bedrooms, occupying sites between 84 to 120 square metres. All can be customised to suit homeowners’ needs and will include a private garden and parking space with access to the project’s gardens and food growing spaces, a community centre, a shared garden shed, and a studio.
There’s even a community chook run!
All walls will be insulated and walls between attached properties will have double brick walls with a cavity for increased sound insulation. Other features include double-glazed windows, tiled wet areas, carpeted bedrooms, and a split system for heating and cooling.
All seven of the project’s Stage 1 houses have already been purchased, with several now occupied. Stage 2 is set to commence in February, with Stages 3 and 4 on track to be completed by the end of 2021.
The Paddock eco village house prices will range from $560K-$600K for a 2BR home up to $760K- $800K* for a 4BR home. There are large Stamp duty savings for first-home buyers and for others buying off the plan.
Come and see what high-standard sustainable living with community connections looks like.
Register your interest in becoming part of The Paddock.
* Pending receipt of the builder’s quote, these price ranges are estimates only.
Rob Jennings
