Cart 
If you’ve ever thought about making a treechange, this family home in Korumburra, South Gippsland, is the picture-perfect image of a country oasis.
While it looked a little different when it last hit the market in 2010, The Design Files partnerships manager Alice Ziebell and landscape architect Marlon Ziebell were instantly taken by the four-bedroom home’s warmth, charm, and potential upon seeing the listing online.
As they were living in Melbourne at the time, they initially sent Marlon’s father to go take a look on their behalf.
‘He was a very discerning man and told Marlon: “I don’t see how you could go wrong buying this property.” Turns out he was right as it has made a beautiful home for our family,’ Alice says.
In the early years, the couple visited the home as a weekender, enjoying working on the gardens, until the pandemic pushed them to embrace regional living full-time.
In addition to making some practical upgrades to the house’s thermal comfort, Alice and Marlon have also renovated the interiors, creating a brand-new bathroom and an idyllic kitchen that’s become the ‘beating heart of the home’.
It perfectly overlooks the lush backyard, framing views of the enormous willow tree.
‘We wanted to stay true to the heritage feel of the house, so we chose finishes that would complement the property,’ Alice says of the updated interiors, retaining original details like the brick fireplace in the living room.
The immersive gardens are now the true hero of the 1412-square-metre block.
Within the existing framework of garden sheds, a chicken coop and greenhouse, Alice and Marlon have spent years building the thriving veggie patch and productive gardens, surrounded by charming flowers and over 50 fruit trees — including avocados — that are just now coming into their prime.
‘As time has gone on, we have had two children here, and it has been the most wonderful, warm backdrop for our introduction into family life,’ Alice adds.
The family has loved working on the garden so much that they’ve now set their sights on a larger property with more land, and have listed 21 Gordon Street for sale.
‘I will miss everything about living in this home. It feels like a very tranquil and secluded oasis overlooking the rolling hills,’ Alice says.
‘However, in actual fact, it’s just a stone’s throw away from the main street of Korumburra. It really is the best of both worlds!’
