Coast and country: from Merrijig to Apollo Bay

2475 Mount Buller Road, Merrijig
5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 8 car spaces
$2 million-plus

Outdoor types will love this property at the base of Mount Buller. Skiing on Mt Buller’s slopes is nearby, along with cycling and walking trails, but the 9.7-hectare property is also nestled on the edge of the Delatite River.

It has a large pool, a black walnut grove, an orchard and vegetable garden – so there’s plenty to keep you busy at home as well. Nestled into a rise, the lodge-like timber house has lovely views and the covered deck which opens from the living room reaches out to the pool. In keeping with the countryside outside, the living room has a huge stone fireplace, timber-panelled ceiling and exposed trusses and the walls of glass give great vistas of the surrounding paddocks.

There are three bedrooms on the lower level and another two, sharing a bathroom, upstairs. The ground level has a delightful feature with a long gallery-like room running from the entrance hall. Its timber-lined walls are broken up by tall windows and it would make a great reading spot. Mansfield is about 20 minutes’ drive away.

Mansfield DPG, 5775 1118 

Or try these

7 Jepson Court, Mirboo North
4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 car spaces
$690,000

Victorian in style but modern in comfort, this interesting house is in the pretty town of Mirboo North and is surrounded by just under one hectare of land with established trees and gardens. The L-shaped house is surrounded by verandahs and, inside, recycled period features, including leadlight, timber doors and windows, and some smart touches. Interior paintwork continues the Victorian look with bold colours used in the large living room, which has a bay window, as does the formal dining room. The kitchen is at the heart of a large casual family area at one end of the house. Surrounded on three sides by verandahs, there are lovely outlooks and multiple sets of french doors to outside. The main bedroom suite includes a walk-in wardrobe and large en suite.

For sale by owner 1300 578 504, 0437 588 960

10 Silver Ridge Road, Point Lonsdale
4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 4 car spaces
$1.18 million

Reminiscent of a Gold Coast canal property, this double storey house overlooks the saltwater lakes at the back of popular Point Lonsdale. Downstairs there are formal living and dining rooms, a large office or study and a huge open-plan kitchen, meals and family room which opens via sliding doors to a north-facing deck and terrace overlooking the water.  The black-and-white kitchen is recently renovated and adjoins the meals area, which has a bay window overlooking the water. Upstairs there are four bedrooms and a huge rumpus area but the main bedroom gets the best spot with a bay window overlooking the water. This large bedroom also has a walk-in wardrobe and an en suite. 

Campbell Potts Real Estate 5258 1579, Campbell Potts, 0418 513 309

3/155 Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay
2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1 car space
$445,000

This shop-top apartment has a decidedly nautical air – the beams and curves are reminiscent of sailing ships and the rough-hewn verandah supports look as if some top-quality driftwood has been hauled up the beach and incorporated. Add some jaunty blue paint and the whole effect sets just the right touch for a beachside apartment in the popular town of Apollo Bay. A large open-plan living room, with a kitchen set against one wall, has spaces gently defined by upright timber beams and the room works well with hooped beams overhead and timber floors underfoot. Angled windows add another interesting touch and there is a large deck with views of the water and harbour.

GOR Real Estate, 5237 6258, Darren Brimacombe, 0418 317 424