THIS magical property in the heart of the Yarra Valley is so stunning, its current owners have trouble getting house guests to leave.
"It's a beautiful place and we have visitors here and we can't bloody get rid of them because they love it so much," owner John Nobes said.
- DON VALLEY
- Property: lifestyle
- Size: 2.78ha
- Price: high $700,000s
- Agent: Landmark, Yarra Valley
- Contact: (03) 5961 9288
John and his wife, Janine, purchased the 2.78ha property in Don Valley 30 years ago as a bare paddock.
Today it is far from barren, but rather a luscious shade of green and a hub of wildlife activity.
The unique homestead, which John and Janine built almost completely from recycled materials, is based on a log cabin design and oozes comfort.
It boasts four bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open-plan living area with big glass windows offering superb views of an ornamental dam, gardens and the mountains beyond.
Building the home and the dam allowed John and Janine, both artists, to exercise their creativity.
The dam was originally constructed as a water source but ended up having a scenic purpose as well as a functional one.
"We just started quietly (building it) on the weekends and it just happened," John said.
The dam is surrounded by abundant gardens and sculptures John has created throughout the years. It is also home to many local birds and ducks.
Janine said she loved the serenity the property offered.
"Being in tune with nature is just wonderful," she said.
"Stepping out of that door and looking at that (the dam) has been lovely.
"It will be very sad to go because every single thing here that's been built ... we have done."
oozes comfort.
It boasts four bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open plan living area with big glass windows which look out to the dam, gardens and mountains beyond.
Don Valley benefits from a solid annual rainfall making water a non-issue.
"There's stacks of water here. We've never had to buy water," John said. "It's almost always green and you know if it ever is brown here then you can just forget the rest of the state."
Selling agent Erik Suggate said the property's location, on Farm Lane, was highly sought after.
"It's in a tightly held area and is really one of a kind," he said.
"I think it's proximity to Melbourne is a plus as well."
Don Valley is a five-minute drive from Yarra Junction and 67km from Melbourne's CBD.
