From the moment you enter the private access and wend through the glade of Highland rainforest that stands sentry over the private right of way to “Bracken-Ridge”, even before opening to the views over the property you are already captured and enthralled by the location. The property is totally off-grid, self sufficient for power, water and heating.
This property is only separated from Lake Barrington by a strip of Crown Land making access for walks to the lake an option. With views of the lake from most areas of the property, add to that, mountain and surrounding hinterland vistas the appeal of the property is magnified. The location provides a naturally sheltered microclimate in most weather conditions away from strong winds but with enough air fall to generate gentle breezes. Together with the panoramic sunsets, the autumn colours of the deciduous gardens, pockets of rainforest glades with lichen and tree-ferns in the shelter of majestic trees and the magic of periodic winter snowfalls there is an enticing sense of spirituality about the property.
The wonderful 2 bedroom residence and studio overlook the property and were developed and upgraded from the two original cabins over time so as to be permanently and sustainably off grid and are currently used as the owners residence. The re-imagining of the main home design was undertaken with space in mind, with a host of quality features for ease and practicality, service and comfort of living for guests when visiting, or simply domestic use. It has resulted in the more stately residence you will find now. The second smaller cabin was re-imagined as a bright and inviting studio which doubles as the third sleeping quarters.
The two storey, two bedroom main residence boasts open plan versatility with kitchen-dining, living and leisure and the expanse of a two storey cathedral ceiling with mezzanine office creating a sense of atmosphere and space. The home is warmed by free standing wood heater with stove top for kettle or a slow cooking pot, it also provides hot water (gas provides the summer HW options) for everyday use. You may use either of the spacious bedrooms as a master, one is on the ground floor and ideal for summer months with extended daylight hours, the second is upstairs on the first floor and is perfect in winter months benefitting from the warm air convection from the wood heater a level below. The spacious and bright studio doubles as the third bedroom or guest accommodations and also features a freestanding wood heater and vaulted ceilings.
The galley style kitchen complements the living spaces and features a gas stove and timber work benches that double as a breakfast and luncheon bar. Like many country homes the secondary entrance is most commonly used for access, however the main entrance is a spacious reception area and a very inviting space to welcome visitors on arrival. The generous sized family bathroom features an antique Victorian roll top – claw foot bath with shower over combination, plus WC. A second WC and vanity service the second floor living areas. Three 11,000 litre water tanks collect and store rainwater to provide domestic and garden water as well as feeding nearby water stock troughs. Reticulation is pressure assisted, but capable of simple gravity feed should the need arise. Power is solar generated, with battery storage, and with back-up generator should the need arise.
The property has established gardens which could easily be managed to provide even more abundant produce – it is purely down to the motivation of the individuals. The homestead complex is surrounded by the well established gardens which also feature a mix of deciduous trees, shrubs and hedges and also features a stone wall extending from the western side of the home reminiscent of those seen in northern UK and was constructed when the property was first cleared of stone for pastures many years ago.
A two vehicle carport provides undercover vehicle parking and is used for storing farm implements and tools and has doubled as an area for sheep shearing. A twin bay utility barn away from the main compound is used for tractor, implements and hay storage. In the middle of the pasture areas an original Hydro Hut is insitu and awaiting a new owner to re-invigorate, perhaps as a studio overlooking the lake or as a kids sleep out, or maybe set it up with a firepot and establish as a glamping site for a bit of supplementary entertaining or income – your imagination, your choice!
This is a wonderful opportunity for a new owner to step in and be self sufficient. The property is divided into five main paddocks, which in the past couple of years the vendors have had cut for hay. The current owners had previously run approximately 200 stud sheep on the property but in these past couple of years have downscaled and simply enjoyed some downtime and the beauty of the location. It would be an exciting time to step in and realise your own vision, live off grid and farm to be essentially self-sufficient in this oasis of privacy.
The property features some wonderful areas to explore with majestic Eucalypts and Blackwoods towering over secluded glades of Tree Ferns and Lichen encrusted native shrubs and rockery which are passed through by permanent spring fed watercourses that meander toward Lake Barrington and form part of an ancient landscape that has remained largely unchanged for thousands of years. To visit is to hear nothing but the sounds of nature and birdsong providing a sense of serenity.
Offers over $1,550,000 are invited for this stunning property “As Is Where Is”.
Inspections are strictly by pre-arranged appointment with the agent. Please contact Neil Colbeck on 0429 331 664 or via email for further information or to arrange an inspection.
We request that potential clients do not enter the property without a pre-arranged appointment and accompanied by the agent, this is not a property where it is possible to perform a simple drive by.
Sushames Real Estate trusts in the information in this document which has been sourced from means which are considered reliable. Prospective purchasers are recommended to carry out their own due diligence regarding permits, measurements, and boundary positions prior to settlement.