Unique barrel home on extinct volcano hits the market for $1.15 million

A unique barrel-shaped property located on an extinct volcano in Buninyong has hit the market with an asking price of $1.15 million.

Known as 'Skybarrel', the curved timber villa was designed by local architect Robin Larsen and remains the only one of its kind in the region.

Managing the sale are local agents Ashlee McKee and Natalie Fagan from Belle Property Daylesford.

"The Skybarrel is unlike anything else you've seen before," states the listing. "Sculptural, sustainable and architecturally daring."

The barrel-shaped studio features a split-level design with an open-plan living and kitchen area, porch and walkway on the ground floor.

Set up for comfort and convenience, there is also a wood-burning fire, built-in timber storage and compact kitchen.

Located underneath, and accessible by stairs, is the lower ground level that includes a spacious bedroom, and bathroom with luxurious wooden bathtub.

Perched atop Mount Buninyong, the property features floor-to-ceiling glass windows providing sweeping views of the verdant bushland surroundings.

Unsurprisingly, Skybarrel was operating as a successful short-term holiday rental and the listing states it includes a current permit allowing for the addition of more villas on the site (STCA).

According to The Courier, the "controversial" property has been listed for sale amid the developer undergoing a liquidation crisis.

Originally, five barrel-shaped villas were planned for the site in a project that faced strong opposition from local residents and the City of Ballarat.

Concerns were primarily focused on the project's impact on the rural character of the area, view lines and infrastructure.

This eventually led to VCAT (Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal) refusing to approve the planning permits due to "obvious and detracting element" of the proposed plan.

Now on the market, the property is most likely to attract savvy investors looking to enter into the holiday rental market, and buyers after a unique country escape.

Buninyong is approximately 90 minutes from Melbourne's CBD and 20 minutes from Ballarat.

25 Lapilli Lane, Buninyong is currently listed for sale Ashlee McKee and Natalie Fagan from Belle Property Daylesford. The price guide is $1.15 million.