Waiting for Monet – 3 acres of pure inspiration & an artist’s studio beckoning!

Less than five minutes from Balhannah and Oakbank Racecourse, Gunyah is a breathtaking hills property that will leave a lasting impression. Yes, the urge to paint and capture it all is irresistible!

Designed as a working sanctuary for artists, a three-bedroom cottage and air-conditioned studio, formerly the dairy, are connected by an orchard walk where, come Autumn, there are apple and pear temptations every few steps.

Elsewhere, European exotics and layered textures of hardy water-wise plantings intermingle with grassy walkways and lawns meandering down to a pond complete with rustic dinghy. It’s very storybook – think Famous Five or Wind in the Willows – but you don’t need to stretch your imagination to see the fun to be had here by serious green thumbs and not so serious children. There’s even a garden just for them! It will come as no surprise, therefore, that these magical grounds have drawn crowds in the Open Gardens Scheme but they takes no prisoners with every plant chosen to survive our long hot summers with minimal water, though there is a bore and easement to a dam on a neighbouring property.

Most of the cottage dates from the fifties but its origins go way back, maybe even to the days of early settlement when a magnificent stand of oaks, now one of many venues for alfresco entertaining, lined the driveway to what is now Cobb’s Hill Vineyard.

Stepping inside, back-to-back fireplaces and polished hardwood floors are a highlight of cosy living areas that have been unlocked for open-plan appeal to a lovely modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances including a gas cook top.

More spacious light-filled living areas with a mezzanine bedroom – claim this as your own – run off to one side while, on the other, two more ultra-spacious bedrooms with fantastic built-ins, a laundry with a loo and a sparkling contemporary full bathroom are contained within a separate sleeping wing.

These days, the cottage exudes the comfort and romance of a weekend escape, with large windows and glass doors to soak up the views, opening to verandas and terraces. Of course, there are secret spots for picnics in every corner of the garden with occasion to pause and admire a sculpture on the way, as well as a pavilion where you can sit and contemplate picture postcard views of vineyards and rolling hills, with barely a house in sight.

Transporting and magical, Gunyah is a property like no other; once seen, never forgotten and with a pull you’ll find completely irresistible. If you see only one property this weekend, make sure it’s this!

Split system r/c air conditioning
Ceiling fans
Slow combustion stove
Security alarm
Double carport
Wood shed
Bore & windmill-fed watering syste