‘Chalambar's Hidden Oasis’, propped upon elevated, landscaped gardens overlooking its rustic 5-acre estate, is a transcendent country-style retreat of sublime serenity. Accompanied only by the sweet song of birds, the chirping of frogs, and the whistling of a light breeze through trees. The stay was one of ultimate seclusion, yet with the assurance of modern-day conveniences at the fingertips, as we were only a 5-minute drive from Berwick.
It’s challenging to find a retreat that offers such blissful relaxation while keeping the kids occupied, but ‘Chalambar's Hidden Oasis’ does it with ease and style. A full-sized, mod-grass tennis court and a lagoon-style swimming pool provided hours of recreation, while the miniature railway was a hit with both the kids and the kids at heart – meandering across the leafy estate, visiting tunnels and its own miniature station along the way.
The home echoes its surrounding environment with natural elements of timber and brick, characteristic of an Alistair Knox design. A scattering of soaring highlight windows and skylights set in towering raked ceilings imbue the home with sunlight, in a 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom layout that sleeps up to nine. Its zoned layout provides essential privacy for multiple families, offering 2 master bedrooms each with ensuite amenity, a 3rd double bedroom with a motorized bed for the elderly or disabled, plus 3 single beds.
A casual open plan domain offers a relaxing ambiance with its lush views, warmed by the romantic glow of a slow-combustion wood heater while seating up to eight at a long dining table. Its stylish timber kitchen delivers easy practicality with a wide Ilve cooker and Miele dishwasher, providing loads of storage and cooking accessories.
A formal lounge and dining room deliver elegance and style aside an open fireplace, stretching onto an alfresco deck with 360-degree outlooks of its divine environment, while a bright sunroom takes in the northern sunshine, facing a picturesque view of pristine, landscaped gardens.
‘Chalambar's Hidden Oasis’ pulls on the heart-strings, a property where it's easy to get lost in thought while traversing its verdant bushland – the perfect place for long or short-term stays with the convenience of suburbia just minutes away.