Nestled on a gentle slope among established gardens, surrounded by abundant bird and wildlife, this enchanting property is idyllic: sustainable living that’s both beautiful and practical. This soulful home is one the original Otway “muddies”, a mud brick home built in the 1980s from locally sourced and hand-crafted timber and clay. Renowned for their thermal properties, mud brick homes are evenly warm in Winter and restfully cool In Summer. This home is energy self-sufficient with a modern off-grid solar system and ample wood for heating available on the property. The land was subdivided from a dairy in the early 1980s and the owners have since created a cottage style garden containing an impressive collection of mature exotic and native trees and shrubs. They’ve revegetated watercourses with local native species that invite visits from koalas, kangaroos, echidnas and dozens of bird species. It’s rare to find a property of 24 acres, with an established home and garden. Yet this well-fenced property is the perfect size for keeping horses, a manageable herd of cattle or sheep or small-scale farming. Or just enjoy the tranquillity and privacy of no near-neighbours. The home has a spacious open plan living area with an atrium ceiling lined with natural wood, slate floor and large north facing windows framing stunning views of the garden and tree tops. The two upstairs bedrooms are large and light-filled with superb views of the landscape. A third bedroom downstairs is ideal for guests or a child. The large, light, bathroom with cast iron bath and separate shower, enjoys a stunning garden view. The kitchen is equipped with ample cupboard space, a gas stove and oven, and a wood fired Rayburn cooker. A vegetable patch of raised beds yields an abundance of fresh produce including raspberries, asparagus, citrus as well as annual crops. Plants can be grown in the adjacent greenhouse, while an established fruit orchard contains apples, pears and plums. The apple trees bear enough fruit to make over 100 litres of cider each season. With some thoughtful crop selection, it’s possible to be self-sufficient in fruit and veg from the garden. The property is only 2.5km to the vibrant village of Forrest, known for world class mountain bike trails, a friendly and active equestrian club with access to miles of horse trails, great food, coffee and craft beer. Forrest has a primary school well-regarded for its sense of community. The coast is a 30 min drive down to the Great Ocean Road and the town of Colac, 20 mins north, offers a wide variety of services and shops. Never before offered for sale, this is a unique opportunity to purchase a lifestyle that’s sustainable, beautiful and tranquil. Highlights • Mudbrick and locally sourced timber home nestled in stunning natural setting • 9.87 hectares, established garden, 2 well-fenced paddocks, holding yard and stock race • Off-grid sustainable living powered by modern solar system (2 yrs old) with 13.8 kwh lithium battery • Work remotely – wireless or satellite internet available • Fully equipped kitchen with wood burning Rayburn cooker • Solar hot water with back up from Rayburn stove • Wood fireplace • 3 bedrooms, master bedroom features balcony • Spacious bathroom with cast iron bath and separate shower • Shed with parking for 2 cars and lockable workspace area large enough for machinery • Large woodshed holds 2 seasons’ supply of wood • Abundant water supply. Separate drinking and garden tanks (approx. 25,000L each) • Large dam plumbed to the garden • Established fruit orchard – apples, plums, pears, citrus, raspberry patch and veggie patch with raised beds • Walk-in greenhouse • Chicken coop • Established garden with large collection of mature plants beautifully landscaped • Only minutes from: Forrest Primary School, Forrest General Store, Platypi Chocolate, Forrest Brewing Company and Terminus Hotel • 20 minutes from Colac with its wide variety of services and shops • Secondary school bus at end of Roadknight Creek Rd • 35 minutes to Apollo Bay • 45 minutes to Lorne • 1 hour to Geelong • 1 hour and 20 minutes to Avalon Airport • 2 hours to Melbourne