685 Back Creek Rd, Yackandandah VIC 3749

This highly sort after lifestyle property is easily accessed via sealed road just 7.7km from the character filled, heritage listed, tourist township of Yackandandah, Victoria. The major rural cities of Albury/ Wodonga are a 33km drive from the property, a short commute via the beautiful valleys and plains this region is renowned for. Melbourne is accessible within an easy 3-hour drive via the Hume Freeway, passing through the nearby townships of Beechworth and Wangaratta.

This region of North East Victoria and the High Country is consistently regarded as one of Australia’s top destinations to visit, as described by www.visitvictoria.com

“The High Country’s stunning mountains, valleys rivers and lakes are perfect places for adventure and relaxation, year- round. Hit the slopes at alpine resorts in winter, and return in the warmer months for inspired bushwalking and cycling action, from dizzying mountain bike challenges to meandering rail trails. Rest your legs and recharge at renowned restaurants and wineries, discover the vibrant craft brewery scene, or fill your basket at provedores and farm gates, all brimming with local delights.”

LAND DESCRIPTION

With an area of land across 38.2ha (94.5 acres) there are strong fertile loam and decomposed granite soils present. With a gently sloping North East aspect, this property has Kinchington Creek frontage plus two unnamed, spring fed creek areas traversing the property. The topography displays prominent arable country, combined with heavier creek country. Natural timber is well established along the waterways, this is a well-drained and cared for parcel of land.

THE MAIN RESIDENCE

Central to this property is the architecturally designed and detailed, straw bale home. This home has been carefully considered in many ways, first and foremost the idyllic northern orientation allows for a passive solar performance of the building as well as sweeping, uninterrupted, rare and exquisite views over the substantial gardens and orchards, the valleys and surrounding ranges, vistas as far as the eye can see!

Built with master craftsmanship, the fully rendered straw bale construction provides excellent insulation and a stunning aesthetic appeal. With polished concrete floors, and a crescent shaped, clever and spacious floor plan this home is quite exceptional. Finishes and fixtures are simple, elegant and sophisticated bringing to the market a very desirable designer home for those with discerning style.

With uninterrupted northern exposure all living areas and bedrooms are bathed in natural light and the warmth of winter sunshine. Verandahs measuring 2m wide and covered with deciduous vine provide practical protection in warmer months, as well as the classic and timeless farmhouse style architectural detail. Double glazed windows to all areas and mains power supplementation by a 2.5kw solar grid, importantly indicates that this home provides excellent thermal properties.

The heart of the home is the beautifully proportioned, large scale (120m2), open plan living, dining and kitchen space. With a glorious high ceiling and clear storey windows this space is truly a delight. The semi commercial kitchen, with large island bench, Caesar stone benchtops, provision for a free standing slow cooker, 2 sinks, European appliances, stainless steel range hood and butler’s pantry has allowed for the hosting of a regular, very popular cooking school over many years, such is the design of the space as well as the provisions. With ample space for an impressively large farmhouse dining table as well as an intimate seating area hugging a beautiful, ambient, two-sided wood fireplace, this is an ideal home for a those that enjoy cooking and entertaining.

Furthermore, there are two living areas located either side of the main kitchen, dining and living space. These can be utilised as casual TV rooms or perhaps private study locations, music rooms or children’s nooks. There are 4 generous sized bedrooms throughout with built in robes (master with walk in robe), two designer bathrooms (master with an ensuite) featuring oversized shower recesses with fixed glass and bath, spacious mud room/ laundry with external access, large linen room, carport with power and easy access to the verandah and welcoming, spacious entrance foyer.

The floor plan of this home has been purposely designed to allow the western wing of the home to be securely closed off and cleverly operate as an Air B&B apartment; offering 3 bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen, laundry and a living space as well as access to the beautiful gardens, organic farm, and meandering walks around the property. Over many years this has provided an income stream with regular bookings by those seeking the peace and quiet of a rural farm, as well as those with a love of nature and organics.

OUTDOOR LIVING AND ENTERTAINING

The spacious main living area flows seamlessly to the alfresco dining area adjacent, covered with mature, deciduous grape vine, this is a beautifully designed area of the home, reflecting a romantic Mediterranean vibe. Overlooking established gardens, expansive orchards and wide open, ever changing countryside beyond, this most attractive outdoor area includes barbeque facilities and even a perfectly crafted pizza oven.

SECONDARY RESIDENCE “THE BALES”

The master plan for this property includes the separate 2-bedroom residence to the west of the main home. Built of the same architectural detail as the main home, this smaller straw bale dwelling has been designed as a luxury accommodation/ hospitality house. With only a few details to complete the project this private dwelling is perfectly located amongst an established orange grove and abundant fruit trees. This enterprise offers the buyer an excellent opportunity to capitalise on the region’s growing tourism industry and the already established, close relationship the property has with Tourism North East. Alternatively, this self-sufficient home, with full kitchen, bathroom, laundry and living space could be rented out permanently, providing a solid income stream. The separate entry off the main driveway and secluded location away from the main residence provides endless serenity.

THE GARDEN AND SURROUNDS

The very picturesque setting of this property includes ageless elms, beautiful natives, formal gardens, a vegetable patch and extensive orchards. Formal gardens enhance the architecture of the home, provide a beautiful array of cut flower species, aromatics and a mix of traditional and contemporary style. The feature gardens sit seamlessly with lawn areas, blending with the orchards and vegetable gardens beyond. The overall atmosphere within the gardens (and in deed the view from every room in the home) is of luscious and considered greenery, toiled with care and consideration. The aesthetic is visually beautiful in every direction. It is any wonder then, that regular Yoga Retreats are held here at the property, yet another source of income and attraction to visitors and locals alike. The possibilities really are endless!

THE ORGANIC FARM “YACKANDANDAH ORGANICS”

The opportunity of stepping into a fully functioning, successful, established and productive organics farm is undeniably rare. This farm has been carefully designed with wide infrastructure and has been providing first class produce to the region’s finest restaurants, cafes and locals for many years. A vast array of plantings is available in the orchards covering approximately 95 acres. All trees are matured and in full production, including; approximately 50 citrus, 60 quince, 50 fig, 10 loquat, 15 persimmon, 15 pomegranate, 60 plum, 20 nectarine, 20 peach, 10 cherry, 5 apricot as well as rows of berries including boysenberry and raspberry. There is also a large vegetable garden producing exceptional quality, seasonal organic produce.

WATER SUPPLY

Importantly there is an exceptional water supply on the property.

- Three waterways/ creeks in excellent location to the function of farm, these are spring feed to date and could be regarded as permanent.

- Stock and domestic water licence is available from Kinchington Creek.

- Two Pioneer, steel rainwater catchment tanks supply water to the residences, gardens and surrounds (250,000L each tank).

- Extensive water system.

WORKING IMPROVEMENTS

This is a quality and high-level lifestyle property which incorporates “Yackandandah Organics”, a fully operational farming enterprise, specifically focused on the organic production of fruit an and vegetables. Working improvements relates to the farming business and the lifestyle factors as follows;

- Colorbond 14m x 14m shed, with concrete floor, open front area of approximately 14m x 6m and a lock up area of approximately 14m x 8m.

- Open front Colorbond machinery shed approximately 10m x 14m with gravel floor.

- Sundry includes smaller farm shedding plus hot houses and garden sheds.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

- The Yackandandah region of North East Victoria experiences a temperate climate with daily average temperatures of 19- 20 degrees.

- The average rainfall is generally regarded as 800mm (32”) per annum.

- Educational services in the area include; Yackandandah Pre School, Yackandandah Primary School, Beechworth Primary, St. Josephs Primary Beechworth, Beechworth Secondary College, numerous Primary and secondary schools in Albury/ Wodonga, Tafe, La Trobe University and Charles Sturt University campuses in Albury/ Wodonga.

- Bus transport is available from the front gate of the property (some bus interchange may be required).

- There is a major airport at Albury with multiple flights daily to Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra.

- The Yackandandah township offers many services such as a supermarket, cafes, homewares stores, galleries, hospitality, chemist, bakery, medical centre, swimming pool, fuel.

IN SUMMARY

This is a rare opportunity to live and work on your property in one of the most highly sort after locations in Australia. With 3 possible income streams (organic farm, Air B&B, separate luxury accommodation house) there is also room for improvement on this property, allowing you to put your stamp on this exceptional venture. This property will allow you to live in an architect designed, passive solar, magazine worthy, stylish home. This property with allow you to live and breathe the fresh mountain air, explore the natural landscape, study the flora and fauna, take slow walks along the favourite property tracks and a little stop at a bench or two along the way. Living here is a lifestyle choice, it is a rare chance to own a little slice of one of the most beautiful valleys in the country and live the dream. We welcome one and all to contact us at any stage, we love this property too and will thoroughly enjoy talking to you, answering any questions and showing you around the property, allowing you to see and experience all that is on offer here, and it really is outstanding.

DISCLAIMER: Whilst every care is taken to supply accurate information our company cannot be held responsible for any incorrect information.

Property Code: 1674