Escape to the Tenterfield mountains

HIGH in the historic Sandy Hills district is a mountain retreat built by Brad and Kym Dixon as their retirement haven.

The couple had been searching around New South Wales’ Tenterfield for a parcel of land to put down roots after holidaying in the region for many years. In 2008 they came across the 32.27ha property at Lot 201 McLeods Creek Rd and embarked on a 15-month build with Natural Matters Design. “I’d been going to Tenterfield since I was a young fella on holidays,” Mr Dixon said.

“Tenterfield itself is about 850m above sea level, we built 700m above sea level on the eastern side so the views are great and right next door is the forest. Everything fell into place when we saw it.”

Mr Dixon acted as project manager during the construction of the three-bedroom, two-bathroom passive solar home which features high ceilings, bamboo and polished concrete flooring, double glazing, bi-fold aluminium shutters, and a contemporary kitchen with European appliances and Blum soft-close drawers.A double-sided fireplace and home theatre make year-round living extremely comfortable. “It’s just such a lovely place with all the joys of living in a peaceful environment,” Mr Dixon said.

“When you arrive and step out of the car, you already feel better being surrounded by wildlife, the mountains and forest. It’s beautiful high country and there’s something special about it.”

The 6.5-star energy efficient home overlooks the valley to Boonoo Boonoo and Basket Swamp National Parks and the spiritual landmark Woolool Woolooni, otherwise known as Wellington Lookout.“The house has been built so well and is extremely environmentally-friendly so the Dixons were well ahead of their time,” Ray White Tenterfield’s Libby Sharpe said. “It’s important interested buyers inspect the property as you can’t really get the best feel of the home until you’re there.” Ms Sharpe is taking the property to auction on Friday, October 19 at 4pm, at 284 Rouse St, Tenterfield.