CARISBROOK

Take the turn off Mount Irvine Road into Danes Way, a charming single lane tarmac road that winds its way up through the rainforest to arrive at Carisbrook.
Nestled atop a level, verdant expanse of some of the most beautiful land in Mt Irvine, Carisbrook is a place of rare, peaceful seclusion: deep basalt soils, lush pasture, pockets of rainforest and abundant rain create the perfect climate for a cool climate garden, surrounded by the spectacular Wollemi wilderness.
The property impresses with its two contemporary corten steel homes, set in magnificent gardens, designed by renowned landscaper Michael Bates.
The ticking of so many boxes at Carisbrook opens up a wealth of lifestyle possibilities - two separate architect designed dwellings, coupled with an almost 20 acre expanse of fertile, level garden, rain forest and open paddocks this close to Sydney is a rare luxury. Perfect for perhaps a retreat, small agri-business, a roomy and private getaway to share with family and friends, or the combination of spacious residence plus charismatic Airbnb.
In an area famous for its beautiful gardens and magnificent trees (including small commercial holdings of organic walnuts, chestnuts and more recently, truffles) the quiet and peaceful seclusion of Mt Irvine is a deep and satisfying breath of fresh air that is a counterpoint to today's hectic pace. A delightfully distinguished and characterful community of people call this area home, attracted by the space to create gracious properties in harmony with an environment blessed with a deliciously temperate, wet and protected micro climate.
Today, the area is renowned for its spacious architect designed properties on sprawling acreage. Carisbrook is no exception - built with mindfulness for the natural environment, both homes make the most of glorious north-facing positions with open living rooms that flow to generous pergola covered terraces. Large windows and concertina doors allow for light and air flow, with private outlooks onto uninterrupted garden views. Passive solar design principles are integral to the homes' lovely ambience. There are at least three secure undercover car parks and five open.
Where possible, building and landscape materials were sourced locally, including spruce beams in the Shed (milled in Clarence from trees from the property), and stunning Blackwood timber beams (cut and milled on Carisbrook), that create a feature cathedral ceiling in the main house. The use of blonde wood, skylights, polished concrete flooring, extensive outdoor gravel driveway and paving, plus vibrant glass bathroom tiling creates a wonderful mix overall of country practicality and modern luxury. Bespoke and antique pieces, such as colourful Australian design textiles, decorative sculptures by local artist Henryk Topolninki and a glass walled entry foyer (showcasing an antique teak Indian cantilevered front door), all give the property that extra wow factor. In fact there is too much delight to take in at once - if a beautiful retreat like this your idea of heaven, Carisbrook is a must see.

• The Shed consist of a two storey residence and a high ceilinged, spacious, easily accessible garage, work-room, storage or studio space - incredibly handy and versatile!
• The Main House is a spacious 2 storey family home with gorgeous open plan living downstairs, featuring a vaulted ceiling and a stone surrounded Cheminee Phillipe slow combustion fireplace. Upstairs are lovely bedrooms (including a main with cantilevered glass Juliet balcony and an expansive media/yoga/meditation room. There is everything you would expect from a luxuriously appointed property)

• Striking elements of the garden include sandstone pieces from the original Pyrmont Bridge, the cap of the synagogue tower and other wonderful artefacts of Sydney's early history, plus a basalt stone circle
• Two water tanks: above ground, 100K litres and below ground, 75K litres
• Telstra mobile telephone booster, providing four bars in each building. Foxtel connection and WiFi
• Log fires, electricity, plus LPG gas. Alternative power supply via a petrol/diesel generator in the Shed
• Within 2 and a half hours drive of the Sydney CBD