Ahimsa, Cheltenham, Heritage residence in Cheltenham, Australia

Ahimsa is a one-bedroom residence at 67 Cobran Road, Cheltenham, designed and built by Marie Byles in 1937. Perched on a large rock, it is built of unpainted fibro, oiled timber and random rubble, with a pitched terracotta-glazed roof. The 1.348-hectare property adjoins Pennant Hills Park and retains dry sclerophyll bushland on Sydney sandstone, with flat outcrops and small cliffs.

Marie Byles, New South Wales' first female solicitor, built this house in 1937 as her personal residence and meditation space. She donated the property to the National Trust of Australia in 1970, transforming it into a gathering place for meditation groups.

The name Ahimsa reflects principles of non-violence and peace rooted in Gandhi's teachings and Buddhist philosophy that shaped Marie Byles' worldview. The simple, nature-focused design of the house embodies these values in its everyday setting.

The property sits in a quiet, natural setting next to a large park with plenty of open space to explore. Sturdy footwear is recommended as the grounds feature natural bush terrain and uneven paths.

Byles was the first woman to practise as a solicitor in New South Wales, admitted in 1924. She climbed in Norway, China, Canada and New Zealand, and in 1938 led an all-women team attempting 6,100-metre Mount Sansate in western China; the expedition failed in bad weather. After a bushwalk injury permanently damaged her feet, she took up meditation and built the Hut of Happy Omen in her garden in the 1950s.