816 Summervilles Road Bellingen NSW 2454

Private. Pristine. Unique.

In the lush green heart of the Bellingen Valley, where ancient rainforest meets a crystal-clear waterway, a rare gem is now available - for only the second time in over 25 years. Welcome to Rosewood: a 20.55-acre oasis of absolute privacy, purity and elegance. Owned for the past 12 years by John Morse AM, former CEO of Tourism Australia, this remarkable property offers more than a home - it offers a lifestyle for generations to come. Now, a new custodian is invited to experience the deep magic and quiet luxury of this rare riverside haven.

A Place of Stillness and Connection
Set just 20 metres from the sacred Rosewood River - widely regarded as one of New South Wales purest and most cherished natural waterways - this flood-free, elevated property enjoys true seclusion, while being just minutes from the vibrant rural townships of Bellingen and Dorrigo. The river begins its journey in the ancient rainforests of nearby Dorrigo National Park - a living current woven through every aspect of life here. It's cool, familiar music drifts between day and night, a soft, ever-present soundtrack that infuses each day with calm and joy. Swimming holes and rock-strewn banks invite meditation, immersion and quiet exploration.

From the moment you enter Rosewood, a deep sense of peace settles in. Across 20.55 acres, manicured lawns, fruit trees and riparian rainforest weave through curated gardens, private rainforest tracks and serene outdoor spaces - including firepits and bush kitchen for long, alfresco evenings. Wake to birdsong and the sound of the river, brew coffee as wallabies graze nearby, then spend your day swimming in crystal-clear pools or wandering through the grounds. As dusk falls, sip wine by the fire beneath a sky untouched by city lights. The scent of lemon myrtle, mango, macadamia and citrus lingers in the air, marking the natural rhythm of the day.

The Residence: Eco-Luxury Living
The heart of the property is an architect-designed main residence, handcrafted with locally sourced hardwoods and artisan finishes. Every element has been thoughtfully designed for beauty, sustainability and the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living.

Main Residence Features:
•3 spacious bedrooms | 2 bathrooms
•Master suite with ensuite, treetop and river views and reverse-cycle A/C
•Gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances & walk-in pantry
•Open plan living with wood fireplace and A/C
•Expansive wraparound decks with river and garden vistas
•Designed for natural cross-ventilation and seasonal comfort

Each room opens to the outdoors, blending the lines between architecture and environment. Whether you're watching the river shimmer in morning light or listening to frogs call at dusk, you'll feel constantly connected to the land.

The Guest Studio: Private & Peaceful
Linked by a covered walkway is a charming self-contained studio - a flexible space that currently earns income on Airbnb or serves beautifully as a creative studio, guest suite or private retreat.

Guest Studio Features:
•Loft-style bedroom | Full bathroom | Kitchenette & Lounge | Laundry
•Outdoor spa bath overlooking the river
•Reverse-cycle A/C and wood fire
•Privacy from the main home

Whether for family, friends or income, the guest studio elevates Rosewood's lifestyle and investment potential.

The Property: Designed for a Life in Harmony with Nature
•20.55 acres of landscaped gardens, native forest, fruit trees with absolute frontage to the Rosewood River's crystal-clear swimming holes.
•Flood-free building position - a true rarity
•2 x 10,000-gallon water tanks fed by the river via gravity and pump house
•Roof sprinkler systems on both main home and studio
•Workshop, shed, carport and double garage
•Sealed road access - uncommon for rural properties

Rosewood blends natural luxury with modern functionality, creating a home that's as ready for the future as it is respectful of the past.

The Location: A Peaceful Escape, Truly Connected
While Rosewood feels worlds away, it is remarkably accessible:
•Thora General Store - 5 mins: Coffee, fuel, groceries
• Bellingen - 15 mins: Cafés, galleries, schools, medical centres, hospital, markets and festivals
•Dorrigo - 15 mins: World Heritage rainforest, cool-climate produce, waterfalls
•Coffs Harbour - 45 mins: Beaches, airport, hospitals, restaurants
•Urunga and Mylestom - 35 mins: Beaches, rivers and ocean activities
•Coffs Harbour Airport: Flights to Sydney, Brisbane & Melbourne

This is a location that balances privacy with practicality, serenity with connection.

A Rare Lifestyle to Be Cherished
Rosewood isn't just a home - it's a lifestyle. It's for those who want to live in step with nature, without compromising comfort or style. For artists, conservationists, entrepreneurs and those simply seeking a deeper kind of peace, this property offers something increasingly rare in modern life: space, stillness and soul.
As John Morse AM reflects on his 12 years here, he speaks not of ownership, but of custodianship - of a place that heals, inspires and connects. Now, that custodianship is ready to be passed on.

Rosewood
A haven of rainforest, river and inspired living.
A enduring property.
A lifestyle you'll never want to leave.

Private viewings are strictly by appointment only.

Contact Warren on 0427 552 287 or Amy on 0423 873 009 today to experience Rosewood firsthand, once you stand on the deck, hear the river flow and breathe the air - you'll understand.

Disclaimer: All information provided is gathered from sources deemed reliable. However, accuracy cannot be guaranteed, and interested parties are encouraged to conduct their own due diligence.

Property Features

• Broadband
• Built In Wardrobes
• Courtyard
• Deck
• Dishwasher
• Floorboards
• Outdoor Entertaining Area
• Outside Spa
• Private location
• Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning
• Secure Parking
• Shed
• Solar Hot Water
• Stunning river views and access
• Water Tank
• Wood heaters
• Workshop