How Zane built a tree-change dream home out of shipping containers

When Zane Smith considered the design of his family’s country retreat, the distance from the front gate to the front door was a major factor.

The fire-resistant, termite-proof fortress in Black Range in Victoria sits on a 32.37 hectare parcel. Its driveway is almost one kilometre long.

Known as the Boulders Estate, the four-bedroom, two-bathroom property is built from 13 40-foot containers and one 20-foot container and is shielded from light pollution and noise.

“It’s a 900-metre driveway from the gate to the house, so by the time you reach the front door, the rest of the world just disappears,” Smith said in a statement to nine.com.au.

Smith, a father-of-three, built the residence with something “indestructible” in mind.

“We originally built this to be our forever home; a place of total peace of mind where the kids could grow up climbing boulders and spotting the resident echidnas.”

“Being a project manager by trade, I wanted to build something indestructible – a total sanctuary.”

Despite the property being off-grid – it’s powered by a robust solar and battery system – it features a massive entertainer’s kitchen, a dedicated theatre room and a master suite with a soaking tub overlooking the Grampians.

Smith said other features onsite include three dams, natural rock formations and frequent visits from local kangaroos and echidnas.

Work commitments means Smith uses the property sparingly, with the family gaining significant passive income from the home as short-term stays.

“The property has been booked for 84 weekends out of 90 – and generated more than $110,000,” he said, adding that figure is as of March 2026.

The property is 20 minutes from Halls Gap and 15 minutes from Lake Fyans, and a two-hour drive from Melbourne.

It is on the market with Ray White Ararat Adam Walker with a price guide of $1,150,000.

This article was originally published by Domain.com.au. Reproduced with permission.