SUBURBIA and bushland meet to make this property unique.

The bush oasis is almost 1ha in size and is located in the heart of East Ringwood.

    RINGWOOD EAST
  • Property: lifestyle
  • Size: 0.9ha
  • Sale: private
  • Price: $1.8-$2 million
  • Agent: Hocking Stuart, Ringwood
  • Contact: (03) 9576 9001

The property is only a stone's throw from several schools and is close to transport and the busy Maroondah Highway, but you could be forgiven for thinking you've stepped into a lush part of rural Victoria once through the property gates.

About 95 per cent of the property has native grasses as well as a range of indigenous flora.

The rich bushland attracts an array of wildlife, including 30 different species of butterflies, frogs, ducks, possums, powerful owls and bats.

The property also has a dam and an old swimming pool which has been converted into a frog and duck pond.

Trevor and Beryl Blake bought the bushland 30 years ago.

They had been looking for a bigger house, but when they stumbled across this property, they bought it immediately because of its uniqueness, despite the dwelling being small.

Many extensions and renovations accommodated the Blake's growing family and today the four-bedroom home has a rustic, cosy and homely feel to it.

There are two bathrooms, three living areas, including one with a fire place, and extensive decking.

"There were remnants of local bushland here when we bought it so we started to look after it," Trevor said.

"We've put an enormous amount of work into the place over the years and it would be lovely if someone would come in and maintain it."

The property has been part of the Open Garden Scheme twice and is also part of the Retention of Bushland on Private Property Scheme through Maroondah Council, which delivers the Blakes significant rate rebates.

Beryl said it had been a great place to raise a family and their children were always entertained growing up.

"There are lots of good schools nearby," Beryl said.

"We're living in bushland ... but we've got two train stations, Eastland (Shopping Centre), and EastLink (nearby).

"It's just incredibly convenient."