'You'd never know it was there' - down a tree-lined driveway, a sanctuary of natural beauty in Berry

Moments after Carrie Bond of Bond Lifestyle Properties placed 53 Housten Place, Berry on the market, the enquiries started coming in thick and fast. It could come as no surprise.

On an 8.5-ha acreage just minutes from Berry’s country charms and the surf of Seven Mile Beach, this architectural home comprising a main residence and separate standalone cottage is billed as a “sanctuary of natural beauty”.

“It’s going to be popular, in no small part because of the incredible grounds,” Carrie says.

“There’s lush Australian rainforest, a large clearing down to a beautiful dam loaded with lotuses, and it’s bordered by the beautiful fire trail that takes you up Moeyan Hill. The views from up there looking over the escarpment are spectacular.

“It’s hard to say if this property will be a tree change, a weekender, a hobby farm or a permanent residence, as it has been for the current owners. But one thing is sure – it’ll be a nature lover who snaps it up. Simply walking around the property, sitting in the sunshine of the open paddock or by the dam, is a joy. There are pockets of escape in every corner.”

As you make your way down the natural tree-lined driveway to the property, you’ll see that one of its big draws is absolute privacy.

Cocooned by nature, it enjoys peace and quiet, and the residence itself cannot be seen from any of the surrounding properties, or from the fire trail.

“You’d never know it was there,” Carrie says.

But location and beautiful surroundings are not the only attraction. Built in 1984, the brick English cottage-style main residence, which has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, showcases stunning architectural features that add warmth and character to every nook and cranny.

Grab a book from the custom-built floor-to-ceiling bookcase made from reclaimed Tassie oak, and settle in front of the brick fireplace that towers up to the rooftops. Gaze up at the exposed timber trusses on the cathedral-style ceiling, or out at the gardens from floor-to-ceiling windows in one of the gables.

“Every room looks out to the gardens – a very intentional decision to capitalise on the magic of the outdoors,” Carrie says.

The home has been designed so the outdoors flow in and indoors flow out, creating multiple diverse opportunities for relaxation and entertainment.

Despite the abundant shade of the trees, the home enjoys plenty of natural light courtesy of skylights.

The newly renovated pool house and spa area beckons you to rejuvenate – the perfect spot to sip an Aperol spritz as you take in the breathtaking rainforest views.

A converted music room/teenage retreat provides a cozy space for creativity or relaxation.

Surrounded by the sounds of the regenerated rainforest, a firepit and barbecue area with seating for up to 30 guests is the ideal setting for gatherings with family and friends. From here, take in the majestic Illawarra flame trees and fragrant turpentine copses, which provide ample wood for cozy nights by the fire.

From the spacious covered deck, gaze out at a real feature of the property – a giant red cedar tree, one of the many impressive trees that characterise the acreage.

The gardens feature established terraces designed to attract native birds and bees, an orchard with a variety of exotic citrus, olive, mango, and pomegranate trees and a kitchen garden with wicking beds. These offer abundant fresh ingredients for the home cook.

The premium kitchen, with Italian granite countertops, Chambord ceramic double sink and top-of-the-line appliances, is a joy to create in.

Additional features of the home include high-speed internet provided by Starlink infrastructure, air conditioning, a stained glass window crafted by a Sydney artist using reclaimed church glass, double-glazed windows and sliding doors for comfort and energy efficiency.

Then there’s the separate two-bedroom, two-bathroom cottage which has achieved $520 per week on a long-term basis. With two good-sized bedrooms, a bathroom, an ensuite, a wood stove and views of the garden, it’s an excellent guest house or opportunity to bring in passive income.

“It was very successful, booking out every weekend,” Carrie says.

“Not only is it a lovely little retreat looking out to the beautiful gardens, but it’s also far enough from the house that it doesn’t impact anyone’s privacy.”

For more information or to arrange an inspection, call Carrie Bond of Bond Lifestyle Properties on 0421 449 846.