670 Coast Road French Island Vic 3921

This lovely 30-hectare property on French Island is a unique opportunity for an environmental custodian, a real opportunity for someone who wants to do something positive now… and for their grandchildren. The large revegetation and restoration project is well under way. I need to find the right person to enjoy, to admire and to preserve it. The price is $990,000 – $,1089,000 for a genuine walk-in, walk-out sale.

French Island
Has a permanent community of 130 people, on a large island, just 65 kilometres from Melbourne, including the short boat ride. There is no council and no rates payable. The island is surrounded by the RAMSAR wetlands, within the UNESCO Westernport Biosphere. National Park occupies two-thirds of the island. There are no foxes, or European rats, with feral cats on the verge of eradication, making it a haven for endangered animals and birds, a unique and quiet place, totally off the grid – Victoria’s best kept secret.

The estate has National Park on two sides. The property’s ecological credentials are recognised by Trust for Nature and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Existing vegetation communities include:
• Eucalypt woodland
• Large Melaleuca copses
• Heath land
• Ephemeral wetland

Over the last nine years, I have put in 12,000 natives, grown from seed sourced on the island. Extensive natural regrowth has also occurred, complimenting and extending the revegetation. You can readily see that the hard work has been done.

Housing
The primary home features cathedral ceilings of exposed natural timber, a generous bedroom off the main living area, central bathroom and an open plan kitchen/living zone with artistic pressed metal accents.

Accessed under wide north-facing verandas, the second cottage includes two bedrooms, each with ensuite bathrooms and a central kitchen/living area. Offering excellent privacy and a well-designed layout. This wing has operated successfully as a bed & breakfast, making it a genuine turnkey income opportunity, or parent/family retreat.

Excellent Water supply
There are six large plastic water tanks, all interconnected, so water can be moved from one tank to another. Total storage is 84,000 litres, which services the house and veggie garden. In nine years, I have never experienced a shortage of water.

There is also an extensive network of agricultural irrigation pipes laid underground, with numerous tap outlets. These surround the buildings and extend down to a pump at the dam, also supplemented by a reliable underground bore. Water can be readily moved between the bore, the dam and numerous sprinkler outlets.

Well-equipped workshop
A three-bay machinery shed and large workshop/studio is well set up with a comprehensive set of tools and equipment, ready for running the estate. The whole site is powered by a fully off-grid 2.4Kw solar and battery system supported by a 6.9 kVA diesel backup generator.

Productive veggie garden
A large, productive veggie garden is, complemented by a fully wired chicken coop. High levels of home-grown food sufficiency are possible.

The hot house is a large tunnel type structure with four raised beds. There is a raised bed outside. All are watered by drip irrigation that runs on an electric pump with a timer. There are also four Wicking beds, two conveniently located by the back door.

Position position position
Located in a quiet corner of the island, opposite the beachside National Park and walking track to a secluded shoreline, the property enjoys a peaceful and attractive outlook across its own land. The passenger ferry is just a 10-minute drive away, offering easy access while preserving the sense of escape that defines French Island.

Ecological Prospectus available on request.