Rainforest Retreat Close To Town
This enchanting rainforest retreat on Darkwood Road is part of a unique wildlife pathway that connects the Dry Sclerophyll Forest around Crystal Waterfall and Red Cedar Waterfalls, with the Riparian Cedar Forest on the Bellinger River Valley Floor. It is a must-see property for anyone who loves nature.’Mudbilly’ is a gem. The eco-friendly reclaimed timber and mudbrick home sits on approximately 52 acres of biodiverse land, offering sanctuary less than 20 minutes from Bellingen. The house is in a flat clearing, surrounded by an undulating foot-hill forest. There are several lovingly maintained walking tracks. Imagine taking a leisurely half-hour bushwalk under the canopy. On your stroll, you encounter a lyrebird, and a couple of wallabies. The Gondwana land plant species in the creek gully evoke a prehistoric age, as you wander through a grove of ancient Cycad ferns and glimpse the soothing waterfalls from the ridge. Want to make a day of it? Off this magical bush-backyard loop, there is a ridgeline track that goes up into the World Heritage area where you will find an amazing creek with waterfalls. This is one of few properties from which you can access Crystal and Cedar Falls. This home is sensitive to its surroundings. The judicious clearing around the home looks out on flora from every room, illuminating the high-vaulted ceilings in living areas, and casting romantic dappled light in the bedroom. The generous fireplace ensures a warm refuge in winter. The garden comprises established fruit trees, veggie beds, edible flowers and an abundance of birds and wildlife. Sit around a campfire, welcome friends to a variety of different spots in the garden to entertain alfresco, or simply take in the morning sun with a cup of tea. The floor plan features a light-filled living room, an open-plan kitchen and large dining room, 2 bedrooms (master with ensuite) with built-in wardrobes, an internal laundry room and a spacious main bathroom. Outside you’ll find a 20,000-litre water tank, double carport, an open-air parking pad for 2-3 vehicles, and a large entertaining patio looking across the lawn to an old jacaranda tree. The second bedroom is big enough to be divided into two smaller bedrooms if desired. The property is an easy drive to key services. The house is just 6km from Waterfall Way, with a sealed road all the way into town. It is just minutes from Thora General Store and the Chrysalis and Orama Schools are nearby, and accessible by school bus. This secluded property is a rare find because it combines absolute immersion in the national park, with relatively easy access to town. Given it is such a beautiful spot, dreamers will see a wealth of potential. The property has ample space for extending the home or adding any new features your heart desires.
