Ballan Vic 3342

This charming off-grid Edwardian weatherboard cottage offers a rare opportunity to live in a peaceful and spectacular natural setting. The home includes two main bedrooms plus a loft, which could be used as a study, a work-from-home studio, or additional bedroom, making it well suited to a couple, small family, or anyone seeking a quieter, more self-sufficient lifestyle. A piano is already part of the furniture.

The property sits within a private conservation reserve which borders Ingliston Gorge, on the western edge of Werribee Gorge State Park. It is just 10 km, or around 10 minutes, from Ballan Station, where V/Line services provide easy connections to both Melbourne and Ballarat. From the house, there are sweeping views across the western plains, taking in the You Yangs, the Brisbane Ranges, and, on clear days, Port Phillip Bay and Corio Bay in the distance.

Tenants will enjoy direct walking access to the conservation area and wildlife reserve via established tracks, with the possibility of using a picnic and camping site overlooking Ingliston Gorge by arrangement.

The surrounding landscape supports abundant native wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, wombats, and many bird species, and the land is actively managed to protect and encourage biodiversity.

The Ingliston Gorge Walk (one of the Parks Victoria walking tracks through Werribee Gorge State Park) can be directly accessed from the eastern border of the conservation reserve.

The cottage operates entirely off-grid. Electricity is supplied by a solar plant located approximately 60 metres from the house, while water is collected from the roof and stored in 45,000-litre tanks.
Provided electricity and water are used responsibly, the tenant would only need to cover the expense of LPG bottles for cooking and hot water, along with firewood for heating (pot-bellied stove heater with heat transfer to the main bedroom).

There are also opportunities to establish, or expand, garden beds for those interested in growing food or creating a productive garden. Also, there is the possibility of small-scale farming on other parts of the property by further arrangement.

Wildlife preservation is a central priority on the property. For this reason, cats are not permitted, and dogs would only be considered if it can be clearly shown that they would not pose any risk to native animals.

The owner is seeking a tenant who values sustainable living, will manage resources carefully, and will appreciate and respect the property’s exceptional conservation values.

With a school bus stop at the end of the road (2 km from front gate), this unique property may particularly appeal to a small family, or anyone looking for a close connection to nature.

In addition to having a demonstrated sustainability ethos, potential tenants with practical skills and a willingness to monitor the solar plant, rainwater, and wastewater systems, will be highly regarded.

The weekly rent will be $580-$600 per week including responsible use of water and power. There are some options for shed/garage that will be considered.

The owner’s intention is for a long term tenant. After the initial agreed term, a long lease will be available.