Enchanting residence, 16 acres, picturesque setting

Unique and enchanting, this 16 acre holding is the perfect country retreat offering a lifestyle of peace and privacy. Nested amongst the picturesque Tonimbuk countryside with the backdrop of the magnificent Bunyip State Forest, the location is nothing short of superb. Ideal for the equine enthusiast, improvements include a block of four stables, tie-up rails, tack/feed room, sand based riding arena, 24m x 8m powered shed/workshop with a concrete floor and built-in workbench, a loading race and holding yards. Level to gently undulating, the sheltered acreage is divided into 6 paddocks with post and rail fencing plus hot wire, accessed by an automatic key pad entry gate. However, it is the residence that inspires the imagination and sets this property apart.

The two level home has been constructed from recycled bricks, sourced from an historic Melbourne residence, giving the exterior a time worn appearance and old world charm. Reclaimed materials also feature in the interior with timbers from the original Neerim East hall, a salvaged staircase, doors and decorative shelving. A fascinating piece of history is the boiler from an old paddle steamer discovered in a dry river bed at Echuca, cleverly converted to an outdoor heater in the alfresco.

All these eclectic elements have been seamlessly fused with modern amenities and comforts, including split system air conditioning on both levels, to create a stylish and welcoming home. Flexible and spacious, the layout highlights three bedrooms, the main bedroom with a walk-in robe, ensuite, sitting area and a large multipurpose room on the second level, a genuine country style kitchen/diner, living room, separate formal dining room and a large home office or fourth bedroom. A broad entry hall features high ceilings, wide skirting boards and warm, polished timber flooring. Directly ahead the dining room with bifold doors connecting to the home office creating one large living space when all the friends and family come to visit.

is To the left of the hall an intriguing timber door reveals the living room where a brick feature wall accommodates a solid fuel heater. Behind the brickwork is the kitchen, an inviting work space with shaker style cabinetry, timber lined ceiling and an impressive Smeg cooker set into the brick fireplace. A dishwasher and a walk-in pantry, utilising the under stair space, are further features. Tall French doors from the kitchen, living room, dining room and the home office allow access to the verandah which wraps around to the covered alfresco. Returning to the entry hall, a broad corridor leads right to the two secondary bedrooms, both with a walk-in robe, family bathroom, powder room and the laundry. Private and boasting splendid views across to the state forest, the main bedroom is a peaceful respite from the lower level. French doors open to a balcony, the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the scenic vista. The multipurpose room with its angled ceiling and exposed beams would be ideal as a studio, nursery or home gym. Well established, the surrounding gardens include weeping specimen trees, lovely shade trees, assorted fruit trees and raised veggie boxes.

There is also a hen house, wood shed and a quaint tractor shed. Water for stock sourced from a spring fed dam which supplies the paddock troughs. The property is located on a sealed road approximately five minutes north of

is the freeway and 50 minutes from Melbourne. Tonimbuk Equestrian Centre is just down the road and the Pakenham Racing Club is a 20 minute drive. This is indeed a once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire a very unique property, full of historic elements and character, yet offering all the modern comforts and conveniences for today’s lifestyle. Further information may be obtained by contacting the marketing agent Miranda Pike from SEJ Real Estate Warragul on 5622 3800 or 0404 193 205. Number 780 Tonimbuk Road, Tonimbuk is offered for sale for $1,375,000.