Located 87km north-west of Melbourne on the traditional lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung people, Trentham is a former gold rush town nestled within Victoria’s Hepburn Shire. Bordering the Wombat State Forest and known for its rich red volcanic soil and cool climate, the area boasts a long agricultural history-from timber milling to grazing and potato farming.

When Brad and Trish Gooch first acquired the 26-acre property that would become Winter Creek Farm, the land was in a neglected state though it still held promise thanks to the deep volcanic soil and a striking grove of 80-year-old pine and spruce trees, some reaching 40 metres in height.

Over the years, the Gooch's have carefully restored the landscape using regenerative farming methods that prioritise biodiversity, soil health, and sustainability.

The pastures were revived without tilling or the use of synthetic herbicides or pesticides, allowing natural systems to thrive. Pedigree South Devon cattle were introduced and are rotationally grazed to allow soil structure to build and microbial life to thrive. Water management involved fencing, strategically placed to prevent erosion, protect waterways, and support habitats for native flora and fauna.

More than 1,000 new trees have joined the old pine and spruce giants, reinforcing the farm’s commitment to ecological stewardship.

Among their plantings is a thriving truffle orchard of 400 holly oak trees, carefully maintained to produce the prized Tuber melanosporum during the winter months. The surrounding pine and spruce, natural carbon sinks, serve as windbreaks, shielding the orchard from the harsher conditions typical of the sub-alpine region.

Today, Winter Creek Farm is a flourishing landscape where aromatic black truffles are harvested in season and pedigree cattle roam healthy, regenerated pastures. It’s also become a sought-after location for photoshoots and events, with the Goochs’ thoughtfully designed home at its heart. Inspired by modernist principles, the home harmonises with its natural surroundings, its clean, contemporary architecture offering a seamless connection to the environment, inside and out.