Mud-brick houses have long been prized for their character and energy-efficient qualities.

These rare and charming homes are among the extensive listings by Barry Plant offices that have caught the eye of buyers across Victoria.

In Colignan, a regional horticultural and citrus-growing area near Mildura, a four-bedroom mud-brick house on 4008sq m at 86 George Irwin Road has just hit the market.

Priced at $429,000-$469,000, the property built by esteemed Melbourne architect Alistair Knox, is a rare offering in the area, according to Barry Plant Mildura agent David Hensgen.

“A property like this does not come on the market very often, and it’s a standout,” he said.

“And just 800m from the Murray River, it is a quality-built family home offering an enviable yet affordable lifestyle.”

On a sprawling acre of sweeping lawns and established gardens, the house with shady return verandas blends seamlessly with its surroundings and is filled with natural light.

A feature is the spacious living area with brick floors, soaring timber ceilings with exposed beams, clerestory glass panels and a magnificent stone open fireplace.

Wooden and mud-brick walls co-exist with timber cabinets and benchtops bringing character to the well-equipped kitchen.

The property also comes with an outdoor entertainment area, a new metal shed, a solar electricity system plus a 2meg water pump at the river.

About 55km from Melbourne’s CBD, a three-bedroom mud-brick house on 4326sq m at 48 Avon Road, Avonsleigh, is on the market for $1.1-$1.21 million

The architect-designed property has attracted buyers from all over Melbourne since it was listed less than a week ago, according to Barry Plant Emerald agent Denise McKay.

“It attracted 11 groups at the first open, with three parties showing strong interest in the home,” she said.

“It is completely unique and there’s nothing like it anywhere in the area.”

Displaying character and charm at every turn, the house was lovingly handcrafted over 10 years by the owner and once featured in The Owner Builder magazine.

Showcasing a captivating U-shape design, it is adorned with a hand-cut shingled roof, curved walls, and huge windows that allow ample light inside.

Locally sourced hand-puddled mud bricks, rustic posts and beams, beautiful earthen floors sealed with linseed oil and random-shaped split slate floors create a warm and welcoming living environment.

Soaring ceilings, mud brick and glass infills, and leadlight windows adorn the main living area that forms the heart of the home and leads out to a courtyard.

A bottle wall and a round frameless glass window add quirky touches to the bathroom, while Danish wood heaters, split-system air conditioners and ceiling fans ensure comfort in the fully insulated climate-controlled house.

The property also includes a post and beam mud brick workshop, sheds, a children’s cubby house plus an almost flat garden with a sitting area, plus native and ornamental trees.

Other mud-brick homes listed with Barry Plant include a five-bedroom house on 12926sq m for sale at 2-6 Stringybark Road, Eltham, plus a two-bedroom cottage on 1ha at 235-245 Smiths Gully Road, Smiths Gully, up for auction on February 15.