87 Hoburd Drive, Woodend, Vic 3442

Constructed of mud brick and timber, this lovely two storey house is a natural fit for its picturesque bush setting.

Tucked under the roofline, the master bedroom is huge. It has a charming angled roof with exposed beams and lining boards in warm russet. There is a sizeable ensuite, a study and across the landing, an appealing open sitting area offers more possibilities. A big storage area swallows clutter with ease.

Throughout the ground floor, the impressive timber beams and ceilings team with the lovely mudbrick walls to bring an inviting rustic appeal to every room. The slate floors and northern orientation maximise passive solar opportunities.

The large kitchen has had a contemporary makeover and is the picture of modern efficiency. It has an abundance of cupboards with clean white doors and a generous amount of bench space in easy clean Caesarstone. State of the art European appliances include an induction cooktop, double wall oven and dishwasher. A skylight brings sunlight to the room on even the dullest days and a pretty stained glass window frames the view above the sink.

Off the kitchen, the big laundry has timber benches and cupboards, a utility shower and a toilet.

The spacious lounge room has tailored timber storage cabinets and extends into a sunroom with a long, comfortable window seat. Open to the second floor above, with soaring ceilings and a skylight, it is a most attractive space. A freestanding woodfire steps up when the Woodend nights draw in and is combined with a reverse cycle split system for year round convenience and comfort.

The three downstairs bedrooms come with views of the extensive garden and have electric convection heaters and carpeted floors. Two of the bedrooms have built in robes.

Adjacent to the house are extensive paved terraces, ideal for chasing sunshine or shade. A big verandah provides an all-weather entertaining space and a fenced, south-facing fernery is the perfect location for an outdoor spa.

Around two thirds of the property is cleared, with the remainder retaining light woodland. The sheltered park-like gardens contain a range of native plants and established deciduous trees. Near the house are extensive vegie gardens and an orchard. To keep the children busy and electronics free, there is an in-ground trampoline, cubby house and swing set. A paddock with dam awaits a pony or two.

There is a variety of sheds suitable for wood storage, machinery or garden tools. The double carport has an attached enclosed workshop.

A large solar system has been installed for sustainability and economy. The kitchen and laundry are connected to tank water and the garden can be watered from the dam. The property is also on town water.

In the prized Ashbourne precinct, close to school bus routes and just over 4 kilometres from the Woodend railway station, this warm and welcoming mudbrick gem is perhaps the ideal country home.