Have a look: Mayfield Real Estate’s Mark Mayfield is encouraging people to explore the bigger blocks on offer at Batesford’s new Riverstone Estate.
KIM WATERS
A SLEEPY hamlet north-west of Geelong is slowly awakening as new-home buyers discover an opportunity for larger blocks and the convenience of Geelong’s bypass.
Batesford, on the banks of the Moorabool River, was surveyed in 1854 and has had little development until now.
Just 20 minutes from Geelong on the Midland Highway, the settlement is host to a new subdivision, Riverstone Estate.
Selling agent Mark Mayfield of Mayfield Real Estate said the hamlet had previously flown under the radar.
“I think a lot of people think Batesford doesn’t exists,” Mr Mayfield said.
“People think you pass the pub on your way to Ballarat and that’s it but we’re encouraging them to turn left and explore the big blocks of land with good quality homes available.”
Mr Mayfield said the bypass had opened up areas outside of Geelong to families seeking “a bit more space”.
“Basically Batesford’s popularity has increased because of the ring road.
“It’s a lot more convenient now for people who want to go shopping and can just run down to Waurn Ponds and it’s an easy commute to Melbourne without all the traffic lights.”
Mr Mayfield said Riverstone Estate, offered .4 to one-hectare allotments.
“We’ve had a lot of established families from inner Geelong, like Newtown, Drumcondra and Geelong West, looking for a bit more space.
“There have also been Melbourne buyers who like the size of the blocks and the easy commute.
“We recently sold a block to two people from the United Kingdom who said they had to research different areas for their visa application and the attraction to this area was Geelong’s infrastructure and city feel without the hassle of Melbourne.”
Twenty-two more blocks will be released for sale in the next few months
“The main benefit of the area is the size of the land,” Mr Mayfield said.
“If you compare prices it’s similar to good pockets of Highton but obviously four times the size of a Highton allotment, or even bigger.”
