1498 Darkwood Road, Bellingen, NSW 2454

This handcrafted, timber home enjoys delightful flood-free seclusion on 5 acres (2.025ha) enjoying expansive views overlooking the Bellinger River and to Bellinger River National Park. Lush surroundings of the parklike setting, featuring a very old & rare red cedar tree and many jacarandas, bejewelled with staghorns, elkhorns and orchids. River views from a home is rare, and there is no doubt that this is a major feature of this magnificent property. There is a Main Residence, River Cottage, Jasmine Cottage (under renovation), two studio rooms. This property offers options for income potential, and extended family. Enjoying 250m of river frontage, the pristine water is delightful to swim & kayak in, with idyllic private swimming holes right at your back door. Peacefully located 30 mins (28.8km) from Bellingen's town centre, shops, schools & cafes.

As you drive out from Bellingen and head up Darkwood Road, you soon realise you have entered, without argument, one of the region's most picturesque valleys, Thora. Driving up scenic Darkwood Road (no through traffic) you get that sense of being a million miles from anywhere, where the air is clean, the rivers and creeks are pure, the land is fertile, and the bush and rainforest is un-spoilt.

The handcrafted timber home features local native timbers and is designed to take full advantage of the beautiful river environment with open-plan living areas, and large covered decks for outdoor living and entertaining. Large windows and doors bring the garden and river views into every room and with fantastic cross-floor ventilation it is naturally cool in summer.

From the road you can't see much at all, as you start down the driveway you literally enter another world - a world featuring the pristine Bellinger River along with amazing views to the National Park, together with an oasis in the middle that just may be your new home. As you arrive at your oasis, and instantly hear the magnificent sounds of running water and lots of birds.

Outside here you will find well-established, easy-care gardens with lawns, fruit trees, herb gardens, and a shed, complete with power. There is also covered viewing platform that overlooks the river, named by the current owners the 'summer house'. This is a perfect space for entertaining or relaxing.

The water set-up is great, with rain water tanks, total capacity 63,000 litres. There is also the option to pump from the river.

With the world heritage Dorrigo National Park 38 min (29.2km) away and the beach just 49 mins (47.7km) away, you'd have to agree that this property is ideally located.

Just 30 approx. minutes away is Bellingen, New South Wales's most sought-after town, where you have health and healing facilities, amenities, superb coffee and restaurants, entertainment, art and craft and of course a true sense of community. The Thora valley has both Orama Public School and the Chrysalis Steiner School with a regular bus service.

So, if this sounds like it could be your peaceful, pristine, private paradise, then call to view at a time that suits you.