Entire village for sale in Mount Dandenong for less than the price of a Sydney house

An entire village has swept onto the market in Melbourne’s green outskirts, offering five properties for the typical price of two.

The cluster of cottages in Mount Dandenong, east of Melbourne, is on offer with hopes of $1.97 million to $2.147 million.

The Melbourne median house price stands at $1,035,887, according to the Domain House Price Report for the March quarter.

The four houses and a studio make up the Observatory Cottages, a ready-made, bed-and-breakfast business.

$1,970,000 - $2,147,000

8 Observatory Road, Mount Dandenong VIC 3767

8

5

6

View property

Agents are carefully managing by-appointment inspections around guest bookings.

When the ink dries on the contract, the estate could remain holiday accommodation, or host weddings. It could also be turned into a weekend compound for family and friends, the listing advises.

The elevated block of 3789 square metres captures views of Port Phillip Bay and greater Melbourne. A vast carpet of suburban lights sparkle far and wide, beneath the property’s lofty perch, when the sun goes down.

Named Owls Croft, Windsong, Ironbark and Candlewick, all cottages – plus the Candlewick Suite – have abundant private gardens, bursting with camellias, rhododendrons and hydrangeas.

They are set apart, for peace and privacy.

“Whoever set the property up really planned it beautifully for that to happen,” agent Jo Hirst says.

Hirst and Trevor Bell of Bell Real Estate Olinda Sales are managing the private sale campaign.

Hirst says the property is well known in the area but it is Melbourne-based investors who have expressed the keenest interest. Many are from the bayside suburbs, seeking a complete tree change.

The local council has altered planning rules since the cottages were constructed and no longer allow this number of dwellings on a block.

A tourism operator would have their ambitions dashed if they wanted to create something similar.

“You cannot replicate it,” Hirst says, “and it’s got a country charm to it that only the hills have.

“I was doing an inspection there and it started to snow, which is amazing. At night, you have lovely, twinkly-light views.”

The largest of the cottages is a handsome, four-bedroom bluestone building, which may suit the new owner, a business manager or caretaker.

Next door is a petite double-storey suite, crowned by an upstairs bedroom.

The other one-bedroom cabins are designed to have a distinct style, although each has banks of warm timber, wood-burning fireplaces, plush bathrooms, deep decks and intricate character.

The sweeping botanical gardens include long-established European trees and carefully tended lawns.

“There are lots of great, grassy areas where guests can enjoy the nature that surrounds the property,” Hirst says.

Cute cottages for sale right now around Australia

New to Market

61 Alexandra Road, East Fremantle WA 6158

3

1

2

View property

A lush hedge provides privacy from the street for this heritage-listed bungalow. Step past the bull-nosed verandah and find three bedrooms, honey-toned timber floors, a versatile study and a swimming pool.

Contact Agent

61 High Street, Kensington SA 5068

2

2

2

View property

Built in about 1890, in one of Adelaide’s oldest residential areas, the Victorian-era row cottage has been lovingly preserved. Lofty 4.3-metre ceilings, leadlight windows and decorative cornices lend the grandeur expected of its age.

$1,200,000 - $1,275,000

6 Queen Street, Stockton NSW 2295

4

1

1

View property

The coastal cottage has been modernised for today’s beach-going buyers. The clean lines of a contemporary stone hearth, in the sunny lounge room, create a commanding focal point. The new, soft-toned kitchen connects to the rear deck, and beyond is neat landscaping and a fire pit.