1458 Darkwood Road, Thora Thoughtfully designed home, immersed in nature

Welcome to 1458 Darkwood Road, Darkwood. A wonderful red cedar wood home enveloped by lush surroundings and natural wonders.

The main house, a testament to local craftsmanship, is constructed from red mahogany cladding and local red cedar. This includes all the doors and windows, while the joinery features an array of local timbers, including river oak, white beech, rosewood, the more exotic teak in the bathroom, and Californian Redwood in the bedroom. Consisting of one bedroom and a study with the cottage having 2 to 3 bedrooms and a bathroom, the location on the river is unique.

The garden is graced by the presence of a venerable red cedar, aged over a century, adorned with orchids and staghorns. This ancient tree, along with three other similarly ancient red cedars in our neighbourhood, has earned the moniker "the tree of life" in town—a living relic from the era of the property's original owner-farmer, who safeguarded another ten red cedars along the riverbank. Over 500 trees have been planted in the riparian corridor, which has flourished magnificently.

The home itself exemplifies thoughtful design. Its living area basks in the gentle northern sunlight, drawing inspiration from Japanese aesthetics. Passive solar design, complemented by Big Ass ceiling fans, ensures year-round comfort, while fully screened double doors blur the line between indoors and out. The kitchen, a culinary haven, features a spacious concrete pantry, stainless steel, and granite countertops, and a gas stove. An open-plan layout unites the living, dining, and kitchen areas, warmed by a Coonara Classic wood heater, while a gas heater stands ready as an alternative. The master bedroom offers timber floors, a walk-in robe, and access to a deck. Additional amenities include a linen robe and a teak-lined bathroom with a deck door/window. Expansive entertaining decks grace the home's northern and riverside sides, while a smaller deck at the main entry offers garden views. A deck encircles the entire home, and hot water is provided through a combination of electric and gas systems.

A self-contained cottage, recently renovated and filled with natural light, complements the main dwelling. Offering a kitchen, living area, bedrooms, and a separate bathroom, toilet, and laundry, it is versatile for accommodating family, and friends, or as a rental option.

Beyond the home's walls, the landscape unfolds with natural splendour. Across the river lies the World Heritage Listed Bellinger River National Park, offering a pristine sanctuary. The river itself, clear and pure enough for drinking, beckons with an array of activities, from kayaking to leisurely swims. A natural plunge pool, mere steps from our abode, and countless hidden water holes await exploration. The property's stretch of the river is a sanctuary for the Australian Red Cedar, one of the last of its kind in the Bellinger Valley.

Further assets include a capacious six-car garage with a locked section and extended power cabling, a woodshed adjacent to the garage, a well-enclosed vegetable garden with raised beds, flourishing fruit trees, and two fully fenced paddocks—one with a water trough—for potential livestock or crop use. Additionally, two large water tanks and a water pump are in place for river water access. The home is equipped with single-phase power, a Telstra phone line, and ADSL/ broadband satellite internet connectivity. 14.5 km from Thora Store on a sealed road and half an hour from Bellingen and Dorrigo, the property is a stepping stone to World Heritage National Parks, beaches and Coffs harbour.

Disclaimer: All information contained herein is obtained from property owners or third-party sources which we believe are reliable. We have no reason to doubt its accuracy, however we cannot guarantee it. All interested person/s should rely on their own enquiries.