474 Clarefield Dungay Creek Road Marlo Merrican NSW 2441

Discover a rare opportunity to acquire one of the Mid North Coast's most extraordinary eco-properties – a lovingly restored 73.22 hectare (180 acre) botanical paradise showcasing nearly five decades of land stewardship and horticultural expertise.

An extensive arboretum of deciduous trees creates a spectacular autumn display of reds, oranges, yellows, and golds, while magnolias provide stunning spring blossoms. These fire-retarding trees have been strategically planted along the road frontage, creating both a natural firebreak and a seasonal spectacle.

Subtropical and temperate orchards, established since 1978, feature over fifty varieties of fruit and nut trees. Alongside apples, citrus, and figs are more unusual treasures such as jaboticaba, black and white sapote, lemonade trees, and ice cream beans. Macadamias, pecans, and bunya nuts add to the productive diversity, while the bamboo collection ranges from giant Dendrocalamus asper to delicate hedge varieties. Rare plant collections include numerous palm species, clumping bamboos, tree orchids, epiphytes, agaves, lilies, and succulents. The rare Green Hooded Orchid grows naturally on the hilltop, highlighting the property’s ecological significance.
Varied topography creates multiple microclimates across hilltops, ridges, slopes, and gullies. Three distinct forest types have established: riparian wetland vegetation along Honeysuckle Creek, dry sclerophyll on western and northwestern slopes, and wet sclerophyll with rainforest understory and eucalyptus canopy in east-facing gullies and south-facing slopes.

Honeysuckle Creek flows through the property, providing reliable year-round water security. The main waterhole below the house feeds a pump system supplying a header tank upslope, providing irrigation for gardens and orchards. The creek runs clean with a forested catchment and has historically supported platypus and turtles.
One of the most enchanting features is “Frog Hollow” – a wetland sanctuary north of the driveway. A bamboo tunnel leads to a grassy slope and dam framed by forest – an idyllic spot for peaceful walks or picnics immersed in nature.

The owner-built home, completed in 1988, reflects thoughtful design and quality craftsmanship using recycled and locally sourced materials. Heritage leadlight windows salvaged from old Sydney houses add character, while round-back flitches from local sleeper-cutting camps and poles cut from the property connect the home to the land.

The open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area flows onto wraparound verandas on the north and northwest sides, creating seamless indoor-outdoor living. The kitchen includes a slow combustion wood stove (heating water) plus a gas stove. Stairs lead to a loft master bedroom, with an additional bedroom on the lower level and a bathroom accessed from the northeast side.

The home is connected to mains electricity, with roof aspect suitable for future solar. Water is gravity-fed from tanks for domestic use, with creek water pumped to the header tank for gardens and irrigation. A dual-chamber composting toilet, built nearly forty years ago and located about twenty metres from the house, has served well; the owner had plans to install a modern internal Clivus Multrum system, with sufficient fall from the lower level. Tank replacement will be required by the new owner.

This property is a haven for wildlife, with regular sightings of wallabies, bandicoots, paddy melons, quolls, goannas, water dragons, major skinks, carpet snakes, and red-bellied black snakes. Birdlife is abundant, and over the years the property has hosted koalas, wedge-tail eagles, platypus, turtles, and goshawks. The diversity of habitats – creek, wetlands, forests, orchards, and open areas – supports thriving biodiversity.

It is with great reluctance that this special property is being offered for sale. The family is committed to finding custodians who will continue to care for the forests, rare plant collections, and wildlife. They are willing to spend time with the new owners, sharing knowledge about the land, plants, fire management, maintenance practices, and the property’s history. This is not just a sale – it is the passing of a legacy.

The possibilities are extensive: reactivate the nursery infrastructure for a plant business, develop eco-tourism or educational retreats around the botanical collections, expand commercial fruit production for farmers markets, or simply enjoy a private sanctuary for sustainable rural living. The home offers scope for improvement and modernization while retaining its character, with a clear pathway for an internal bathroom. The diverse microclimates and existing infrastructure lend themselves to permaculture design, regenerative agriculture, artistic pursuits, or wellness retreats.

Situated in the peaceful Marlo Merrican area, the property offers true seclusion and privacy while remaining accessible to Wauchope and Port Macquarie’s services, schools, and amenities. Whether you are a permaculture enthusiast, horticulturist, nature lover, plant collector, or family seeking a sustainable rural lifestyle, this property offers something truly special.

Note: Property includes mains power, creek water rights, established orchards and gardens, and former nursery infrastructure. Composting toilet is currently external with scope for internal installation as planned by the owner. Property sold as-is with full family support for transition and knowledge transfer.

Annual Rates: $1,781 (approx.)
Land Size: 73.22 hectares (180 acres)

Disclaimer: The information contained in this advertisement is based on details provided to the agent. While all reasonable care has been taken, neither the agent nor the vendor accepts responsibility for its accuracy. Prospective purchasers should rely on their own enquiries and independent judgment.