Magical hinterland retreat near Byron

A RARE slice of nirvana has just come onto the market in the hinterland outside Byron Bay in northern NSW.

The six bedroom architecturally designed retreat on 15 ha of lush and beautifully maintained land at 19 Newells Road, Main Arm has been home to Parisian interior architect Marie Hélène Chaine for the last 13 years.

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Ray White New Farm sales agent Claudia Marchand is marketing the house locally and across Australia and New Zealand through an expressions of interest campaign.

“You’ll experience love at first sight at this magical retreat in the beautiful Byron Bay hinterland. The home has inspirational views of rolling hills, a tranquil pond and lush rainforest,” Ms Marchand said.

Ms Chaine designed her home which spans over three buildings. It's connected by walkways and decks and she commissioned a carpenter from New Zealand who had the same affinity for natural materials.

“It was love at first sight when I saw this land. It was like coming home. The fields, the pond, the view, the rainforest — it was magical,” Ms Chaine said, who spent her formative years in Switzerland.

Ms Chaine, who built and ran a boutique hotel in Paris, said she was looking to recreate a retreat vibe in her home.

“I wanted to create something that was supremely comfortable for the house’s inhabitants, as well as visiting friends and family. Verandahs surround the house, allowing you to soak up the sun in winter and enjoy the shade in summer — plus there’s ample room for long tables and leisurely meals with family and friends,” she said.

The main house has two bedrooms and the main bedroom has an ensuite and walk in and built-ins. There is an attic above the bedroom which is currently used as a meditation room but of course very versatile and could be a rumpus or media room. The second bedroom is serviced by a private bathroom from the deck.

The second wing (or the guest wing) is very private and has two bedrooms with bathrooms and an attic which is a third bedroom.

The European kitchen is separate and had a Smeg gas stove, Miele dishwasher and lots of cupboard space.

The house, built with the environment in mind and the comfort and enjoyment of the people living in it would suit a family while easily accommodating many visitors.

The guest wing features several bedrooms and bathrooms, private decks and lush views, speaking to the care taken in providing everyone on the land with their own slice of nirvana.

Surrounded by rainforest, the cottage is also a very special living space, set away from the main house and among the trees.

The only night noises on the land are frogs, and the starry skies away from city lights are unparalleled.

The front paddock is vast, where horses used to graze, and there’s a bore and an organic vegetable garden just adjacent to the house.

“Books have been written here, music recorded here. It’s an inspiring, creative and transforming environment. C’est magique!” Ms Chaine said.

“I’m going to miss waking up to this view, but this idyllic retreat is ready to welcome its new owners.

“I believe that a house has a soul, and this one is very special.

“Living here has been an amazing experience and the next people to live here are sure to discover something truly wonderful.”

Minutes from Mullumbimby, the beaches of Byron Bay, the property is also just 45 minutes from Coolangatta International Airport.