Rural hideaway gives off grand European estate vibes

Turning up the tree-lined driveway of this tucked-away property in the rural suburb of Croobyar, NSW, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were suddenly transported to a French estate.

From the home’s grand proportions and perfectly carved terraced hedges to its sloping tile roof and ornate windows, everything about this spectacular residence at 591e Croobyar Road exudes refined European elegance.

Located just six kilometres from the charming township of Milton on the South Coast or a 2.5-hour drive from Canberra’s CBD, this escape to the country resides on two hectares of rolling green hills within hailing distance of Narrawallee and Mollymook beaches.

And it has the power to dispel all your yearnings for an overseas summer holiday for good.

Beautifully designed, the three-bedroom, two-bathroom villa presents a stately entrance with a wide brick staircase and gravel forecourt leading to the main entrance. To the sides of the portico, white shutter-flanked French doors topped by arched window panes solidify glorious first impressions.

Listing agent Craig Cooper of Cooper Coastal Properties says the property, with its full brick facade and pitched roof, seemingly comes straight out of a storybook.

“This listing has it all,” he says. “12-foot-high ceilings, unique architecture with a French provincial influence, beautiful manicured grounds and views from every room over the expansive farmland. You even have glimpses of the ocean beyond.”

After the dramatic entrance, the interiors fortunately don’t disappoint. Multiple living and dining areas, polished concrete floors and a classic open fireplace combine to create a spacious, functional and comfortable country retreat. French doors and large custom windows provide abundant natural light internally and keep you connected with the outdoors at all times.

In the centre of the home, the bespoke kitchen – which includes a butler’s pantry – features open shelving that showcases finely handcrafted details. Other decorative elements, such as delicate chandeliers or iron railings, can be discovered inside and out, in particular in the main bedroom suite in the left wing.

From this delightful room, you can step out onto the terrace where a built-in pizza oven, open fireplace, bench seating and an overhanging Tuscan-style vine create a fabulous covered entertaining space. Picture long summer days where you can while away your hours, lounging and dining with friends and family while soaking up the serene surroundings.

Cooper says a premium offering such as this is a rare opportunity in the region and would suit anyone seeking privacy in a coastal suburb on a rural block.

“The owners had a vision for their home when building and have loved living here,” he says. “They have grown an orchard and vegetable gardens as well as extended the home’s amenities with a new barn just down from the main house. This flexible space can serve as a studio or office to cater to a work-from-home lifestyle.”

The modern self-contained building contains a loft, kitchen and living area, and a bathroom, making it ideal for guest accommodation. Space for storage is available here or downstairs in the main house, where a double-car garage provides easy internal access.

Other features of the property include a spring-fed dam, 44,000-litre capacity water tanks, irrigated gardens and extra garaging in the barn. With so much to offer, Cooper says seeing 591e Croobyar Road in person is even more impressive than what the photos capture. It’s now just waiting for a new family to take up residence and enjoy a contemporary lifestyle reminiscent of bygone centuries.

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Spotlight on Milton

Down the road from Croobyar is the vibrant Milton township, a foodie destination thanks to an array of restaurants, cafes and country pubs. Visit the converted cheese factory, Milk Haus, for breakfast, swing by Heritage Bakery for artisan breads or stop in for wine and cheese at Cupitt’s Winery. Harvest Bar is also an option for an evening out with live music on weekends.