‘Unique’ is an over-used word in real estate descriptions, but in the case of this remarkable property, it’s well deserved – 3003 Bruny Island Main Road offers a rare opportunity to acquire one of only two private holdings that exist on the iconic Neck of Bruny Island.
3003 Bruny Island Main Road comprises an appealing trio of versatile off-grid buildings, set on 2.6 hectares (6.4 acres) of attractive native coastal bushland on the southern stretch of The Neck, the spectacular narrow isthmus that links North and South Bruny Island.
The property is accessed by a new gravel driveway from Bruny Island Main Road, which runs close to the shore of Isthmus Bay, on the western side of The Neck. The land has been fully-fenced. At the end of the driveway, the three dwellings occupy a private and secluded space near the property’s eastern boundary. From here, a short walking track through the bush crosses a Parks & Wildlife reserve to reach the magnificent and almost always deserted 10-kilometre sweep of Neck Beach, which was recently named number 6 on the list of Australia’s 20 best beaches. Just a couple of minutes’ walk from the house, you have unlimited scope for surfing, surf fishing, calm-weather kayaking and beach walks. If the surf is up, you can always launch a kayak or canoe on the other side of the property, for some fishing and oyster-gathering in the sheltered waters of Isthmus Bay.
The main dwelling is a two-level, two-bedroom straw-bale home of 111 sqm, featuring a dual-arch roofline, designed by acclaimed architects X Squared. Warm, welcoming and comfortable, the interior showcases a range of specialty Tasmanian timbers, with reclaimed myrtle and celery-top used in the staircase and reclaimed celery-top posts and rails on the upstairs deck.
The main entrance opens into the bright and sunny ground-level living area and kitchen. Adjacent is a contemporary bathroom with glass-enclosed, gas-heated shower. A couch in the ground-floor bay window is the ideal spot to relax with a book. There’s also a cosy study nook off the living area that can be accessed by a separate door. At the rear is a porch with an outdoor setting and barbecue. An adjacent storeroom houses the solar control systems and storage batteries.
On a stairwell landing in the main dwelling is a modern composting toilet. The timber staircase continues to the upper level, with the master bedroom, with walk-in robe, opens to a timber deck with views into the bushland.
The 450mm-wide straw-bale construction creates an outstanding level of thermal insulation, enhanced by 40mm foam under the concrete slab, wool insulation in the ceiling, double-glazed windows and thermal honeycomb blinds.
Since purchasing it in May 2022, the current owners have completed extensive upgrades inside and out. Major energy efficiency enhancements include 6kW of rooftop solar connected to 12kW lithium storage batteries with a new 11kW Kubota generator as an automatic backup.
Top-range equipment and systems have been installed to ensure that off-grid living is trouble-free. In the kitchen, the timber island bench incorporates a cooktop and compact oven. The heart of the house is the Rayburn multi-function slow combustion stove providing cooking, hot water and hydronic heating. It is connected to a 380 litre hot water cylinder. There is also gas-fired hot water for both the main dwelling and the separate cabin. Four tanks hold 85,000 litres of rainwater storage for all the buildings.
A short distance from the main home is a second separate and self-contained one-level, two-bedroom accommodation cabin of 42 sqm, with wood heater in the living area, galley kitchen, shower and high-quality composting loo, all serviced by the property’s main off-grid facilities for solar power and hot water.
A separate open-plan 36 sqm studio completes the trio of buildings on this remarkable property. Bright and spacious, the room would make an ideal working studio and gallery for a musician, artist or writer.
Bruny Island is famous for its birdlife and this remarkable property is a haven for bird lovers. Thornbills, fantails, robins and honeyeaters can all be observed. Sea eagles, black cockatoos, currawongs and seabirds glide overhead. In the bush there are echidnas, pademelons, wallabies and quolls.
From the sandy shore of the surf beach there’s an amazing panorama – to the east is the vast expanse of the Tasman Sea, to the north, the entire stretch of Neck Beach, all the way to Cape Queen Elizabeth and beyond to Cape Pillar and Tasman Island on the far side of Storm Bay. More than likely, you’ll have the whole place all to yourself.
All three buildings are completely ready and comfortable for a new owner to move in and enjoy the freedom of off-grid living. This way of life has many attractions – no more power bills is just one of them.
With all Council permits in place, the property has been operating successfully as visitor accommodation. The versatility of the layout represents a unique opportunity to make this a permanent residence or a weekender that also generates a lucrative income.
If an environmentally-sustainable lifestyle in a pristine and magnificent coastal bushland location appeals to you, this could be your new home.
Call Jude to arrange a private inspection.
N.B. The information contained herein has been supplied to us and we have no reason to doubt its accuracy, however, we cannot guarantee it. Accordingly, all interested parties should make their own enquiries to verify the veracity of these details.
