First published 30 Oct 2026, 5:00am
255 Upper Gellibrand Rd, Barramunga is on the market for $985,000.
A remarkable Otways hideaway crafted from timber milled on site over three painstaking years is straight out of a storybook, but there’s just one catch – you can’t live in it.
Despite its homely appearance, the double-storey building is classified as an agricultural Class 10A building.
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Richardson, Colac listing agent Jake Theodore said while 255 Upper Gellibrand Rd, Barramunga , would make a great bush block getaway, living there permanently was not currently permitted.
However, that has not stopped several people inquiring on the picturesque 31ha property just down the road from popular Otways attraction Stevensons Falls.
“He got a permit to build a structure, which is the law, and the whole thing is ticked off but to live out there is another story,” he said.
“Obviously there are people out there that are happy just to go out there for weekenders. It’s got a full septic system, a full kitchen, a toilet so it is definitely fully liveable and it is also fully insurable, given that it is permitted.
Towering trees surround the private clearing.
A wood fire warms the interior in winter.
Permits are in place for the bathroom at the property.
“I think we will find a find a buyer for it and obviously they could go down the path of trying to get an occupancy permit for it down the track.”
The property is currently on the market for $985,000.
Mr Theodore said it was difficult to put a price on the “left-field” listing, given a house of that calibre on similar parcel of land would normally be upwards of $1m if it had an occupancy permit.
The vendor milled and dried all the timber for the structure himself using trees felled during the original clearing of the land.
It took him three-and-a-half years to complete the rustic cottage build, which showcases exposed timber ceiling and timber-lined finishes.
The wide veranda creates a welcoming entry.
Barramunga Creek runs along the property’s boundary.
Reconnecting with nature is made easy here.
Beyond the wide veranda, a wood fire features in the open-plan area downstairs, while upstairs has large windows framing views of the forest canopy.
A 8kW solar system with 10kW battery storage and two 22,500L water tanks and separate shed/workshop add to self-sufficiency.
“Once you get down there is beautiful and it’s just so private. He’s done a wonderful job and it just feels like home straight away,” Mr Theodore said.
Barramunga Creek runs along the boundary of the largely untouched bushland property, which is about 10 minutes from Forrest.
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