35A Sherbrooke Lodge Road, Sherbrooke, VIC 3789

Open for Inspections will be conducted weekly - please refer to open time advertised or contact the listing agents for more information. Built around 1911 'Joalah', meaning Home of the Lyrebird', was one of the first homes to be built in the heart of Sherbrooke opposite the National Park on one of the most prestigious streets in the Dandenong Ranges. This approximately one acre property is ready for new owners to enjoy. This area has long been known as a haven, a gathering place which included Joalah, for writers, artists, musicians and naturalists. A number of the owners and their families were graphic artists and illustrators. Naturalists Ambrose Pratt, Ray Littlejohn, Len Smith, Crosbie Morrison, artists Tom Roberts, Walter Cunningham and many others visited throughout the years. Many musicians - banjo players, guitarists, accordion players among them - have contributed to the unique ambience of Joalah in its forest surrounds. This relaxing residence would make the ideal everyday home, studio or dream weekender. Its highlights include three forms of heating: a cosy wood fire, reverse cycle air-conditioning and ducted gas heating in each room. The lounge has timber paneling, ornament/picture ledges and a window seat plus an east-facing, light filled sunroom looking out over tranquil ponds which are enjoyed by varied bird life, including lyrebirds. The generous deck is the ultimate vantage point for appreciating the many species of local wildlife and a wide variety of plants. Gardening is easy and rewarding in this area with its high rainfall and enviably deep topsoil layer. Vegetable plantings grow and thrive quickly. The almost flat, sunny property captures the essence of old Sherbrooke with its peaceful, established garden areas of both exotic and native plantings. This includes an 80-year-old Copper Beech tree and many varieties of rhododendrons, camellias, azaleas and ferns. A riot of seasonal colour, an exquisite array of native and deciduous trees and a picturesque fernery create a glorious blend of sun and shade in the diverse sections within the garden. The property is situated within easy reach of several townships. Sassafras and Olinda, well-known for their cafes and craft shops, lie in one direction. Belgrave, with its shops, cafes, Cameo cinema and train direct to Melbourne CBD lie in another. The Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens, George Tindale Gardens, and the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden are a few examples of neighboring public gardens that complement the natural expanse of Sherbrooke Forest. This is your opportunity to own your own peaceful slice of the Hills that is also near amenities. KEY FEATURES OF THIS PROPERTY: - Near one acre, rare in this area, offering many diverse lifestyles. - Long, gated drive for complete privacy, leading to ample parking near the house. - Magnificent established garden which includes Copper Beech, Japanese Maples, Mountain Ash, mature tree ferns, Mother Shield ferns and a range of camellias, rhododendrons, azaleas. - Water for the triple-pond system provided by a reticulated system with fountain waterfall. - Rich wildlife including wombats, echidnas, wallabies and varied birdlife including lyrebirds, king parrots, yellow-tailed black cockatoos, satin bower birds. - Charming two-bedroom residence, influenced in design by the 'Arts and Crafts' movement of the late 19th and early 20th century. - The cottage heated by a choice of three forms of heating: ducting gas into every room, reverse cycle split system and a wood fire. - Recently connected to sewerage system. - East facing sunroom shaded by Japanese maple trees in summer which allow the winter sun to create warmth which spreads throughout the house.. - Timber kitchen with skylight. - Generous, private deck with views over the garden. - Rewired electrical system which includes a generator port