A former country school has been reimagined as an off-grid lifestyle estate and put up for sale.
The old Kandanga Creek State School was revamped by Jo Williams and Daniel Walters, who purchased it in 2022.
“When we first saw the property it was in no way in its best shape,” Jo said.
“But we saw the potential for different opportunities for living arrangements and for the business opportunities that the property could offer.
“We couldn’t pass up the opportunity to transform the property.
“The possibilities and combination of what the space and the buildings could offer really were endless and the infrastructure was already there (so) we just set out to create this beautiful home.”
The school was established in 1900 but was mothballed at the end of 2009 before being closed, after student numbers dwindled.
When Jo and Daniel bought it three years ago, the property included playgrounds, ovals, courts, a covered tuckshop area, large multi-grade classroom and principal’s house.
Countless hours of internal design, structural improvements and sustainable landscaping over two-and-a-half years has produced an impressive property that features eight bedrooms and six bathrooms spread across three separate houses.
“We really made sure to be mindful of the connection this property has to the past, and to work within the architecture and structure of the buildings while altering the feel of the property to one in which we, and future owners can enjoy,” Jo said.
Set on five acres, the elevated block sits along the Kandanga Creek, with the Kandanga and Amamoor state forests close by.
The property at 249 Sterling Road offers a private, expansive haven for families looking to embrace a sustainable and active lifestyle.
The property accommodates complete off-grid living, powered by a 40kW solar system, including diesel backup.
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Landscaping has transformed the property to allow for commercial-grade drainage, self-sufficient permaculture gardens, established fruit orchard and more than 175,000 litres of stored filtered rainwater and drinkable bore water.
The main house features four bedrooms, open-plan kitchen/dining/living and an additional family room on level one.
Below, the owners have created an expansive covered entertainment area, complete with kitchen, alongside the large laundry.
The second dwelling – once the principal’s residence – has been updated and features three bedrooms. The third dwelling has been transformed into a generous one-bedroom studio.
All three houses are positioned privately but are connected via walkways.
“In terms of structural integrity, the property is in very good condition,” Daniel said.
“It has stood the test of time.
“In terms of quality it ticks all the boxes.”
The restored tennis and basketball court, cycling and horse-riding tracks and the cricket field are just some of the ample outdoor areas, with the property also featuring a large horse-friendly section with stables.
A 23x14m workshop, with three-phase power, will allow owners the opportunity to accommodate projects and passions, including business operations.
“It really is a piece of history that is closely connected to the community here and we’re not sure what would have come of the property had we not been able to restore it,” Daniel said.
Jo said they “loved transforming this property”.
“It encompasses its history while remaining a space to enjoy a complete lifestyle.
“While we’ve made some significant changes, the transformation still leaves the property open for its new owners to make it their own.
“The possibilities with this property are endless.”
The property, marketed by Re/Max Property Group, is on the market for $1.75 million.
Auction results
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