858 RIVER DRIVE, Empire Vale NSW 2478

A rare find right on Ballinas doorstep, this elegant residence offers the peace and tranquility of a picture-book rural setting within easy reach of town and the beach. Set on 2.5 acres, the double-storey main house has sweeping views of the Richmond River, surrounding farmland and the western hills. The primary residence is a large, north-facing, quality-built, brick home designed to capture the light and spectacular outlook. It has four generous bedrooms, three bathrooms, a good-sized country kitchen, cocktail bar, a large media room and three separate living areas, all with views. The next door studio is large, modern and sits well away from the main residence. Perfect for guests or extended family. It is open plan and self-contained with kitchenette and bathroom + laundry. Big windows offer a panorama of the river. It has a separate carport and large covered patio area that also looks out over the water. The 2.5 acres is clear, flat, and fertile. There are established gardens and citrus and other trees as well plenty of room for someone with a more serious passion for gardening and growing their own vegetables. There is ample storage with a large shed featuring an office space. There is also plenty of room on the property to build something substantially bigger for boats, caravans, or cars. The house has its own double garage. Key Features: 4-bedroom, 3 bathroom main residence: - Multiple living areas including sunken lounge & media room - River-facing verandah + upstairs deck - Double garage + single bay shed - Open plan self-contained studio with carport - Ceiling fans, gas outlet & wood fire in studio This stylish lifestyle property is just 5 km from West Ballina via the Burns Point Ferry and 12 km to Ballina-Byron Airport with daily flights to Melbourne and Sydney. Byron Bay is just 40 km up the freeway. The southern end of the Gold Coast is an hour away. South Ballina beach, the second longest in NSW and a natural wonderland home to rare birds and is 3km away as the crow flies. Drive or cycle to the South Ballina seawall to whale watch and see dolphins play in the surf. Empire Vale Primary school is 2 km away with high schools nearby, Ballina Coast High School, Emmanuel Anglican College, Xavier Catholic College and Richmond Christian College. Whether you are after dual living, space to grow, or a peaceful riverside retreat, this versatile waterfront property in a dream location has what you have been searching for. NB. Set high on an elevated block the main house was unaffected by the 2022 northern rivers flood.