bobdiamond

A large selection of schools and pre schools no more than 15 mins away in several directions. The fabulous sat market is walking distance. There is authentic Thai which is to die for at the local store eat in or take away. The general store is a great hub run by lovely people and the coffee is great.
the local hotel has good food and great music, the bakery does a roaring trade on saturdays, and the smiths gully store has fantastic home made bread and egg bacon cheese and chutney sangas that are perfect after a long walk along one of the many trails. The st andrews pony club is warm and welcoming like an extended family and heaps of kids enjoy a weekend competing or just riding with friends
Have never had better neighbours in my life .
the sense of community is strong. The stock and feed store is run by lively characters who have helped many a person in many a situation and they always have a great christmas drop in party.
Not far away in Hurstbridge, 10 mins on the bottom rd ,there are all sorts of eateries, a bank, supermarket fresh vegies and a great dog grooming salon. trains are frequent.
the wild life is abundant with echidnas not afraid to come right up to the house on a hot day to bathe in a cool dish of water. the rare phascogale can be seen running from tree to tree at night ,along with ring tail possums. wallabies and roos graze on the front lawn while children laugh and play in a pool and chickens let out a content cluck while scratching for worms. Wood fire heater to snuggle up to on a cold winters day and the occasional cruise up to Kinglake to play in the snow is always a fun thing to do. Yarra glen is only 25 mins away along buttermans track whick is a lovely drive and the wineries are abundant