Themes for upgrades were use of natural light, space functionality and continuity – both internally and between the house and garden.
Designed to use the light – the house is north facing, with the sun coming into the living spaces and front bedrooms in winter but not in the summer. The 'sunroom' is designed to use the sun – the sun on the stone tiles heats the room in the colder months. On unseasonably hot autumn/spring days the room can get too warm but in summer the sun does not come into the room. The large fans can direct heat out or in (and are very good at drying washing!). The crepe myrtle trees at the front of the house are deciduous so provide shade in summer and let the winter sun into the living space and bedrooms in winter.
Old and new sections of the house were renovated together with same windows/lighting/flooring for continuity, they are also visually connected to feel like one house.
We also had a heavy focus on functionality when doing the renovations/extension; generous room sizes, air flow, high energy rating for comfort year round, power sockets, lighting and storage space; e.g two of the original bedrooms were originally three rooms that were too small to be comfortable; there is a lot of storage including built in wardrobes, in the new corridor and a storage 'room' in the roof space of the extension; between the windows and the crimsafe screen doors, the house can be secure with good airflow when it is hot; there is lots of insulation including high quality uPVC double glazing throughout, the bedrooms all have a generous number of power sockets and modern LED dimmable lighting.
Designed to use the outside living space:
* There are gardens views from all rooms to feel connected to the outside space
* As well as being nice to look at the plantings are designed for privacy
* The front deck is great for lunch in winter (and stargazing at night!)
* The covered back deck is great for dinner and breakfast when warm enough, including in a storm! The back deck is lit by the morning light in summer
* The patio (east of old house) is lovely in summer – it is shaded by the house from the hot west light and by the snow gums
* The courtyard is at its best on summer evenings and in the day in colder months – in summer without the outside fire or with the fire in spring/autumn
Garden:
* Fruit trees: cherry (original); fig; blueberry; feijoa; lemon; peach & apricot (these are planted in 1 hole)
* Outside of the fruit trees and crepe myrtle's at the front of the house, garden is 'bush' with all non-original plants/trees being native, predominantly local, making them low maintenance, water usage and 'playable' (below)
* Garden designed to attract local birds (honeyeaters especially) and be fun for kids – has a sand pit, trees/rocks that can be climbed on, lots of hiding places, path that can be run around, a lawn and 2 fenced veggie patches including with raspberries and strawberries
* Back garden is secure for dogs/chickens
* The plantings in the east back corner are not yet mature – there will be more privacy (and a very pretty tree, callistemon viminalis) when fully grown
* Last mulched in 2025, needs refresh about every 3 years to keep the weeds away
* Trees must be kept off the powerlines
Carport:
* Carport is designed to permit access to easement; has power, lighting, EV charger
Neighbours:
* Lots of kids in Dobbie Place and a really lovely, supportive community (street Christmas party, Halloween celebrations, kids hang out, etc.)
* Street has:
* 7 families (4 with a child in primary and younger, 3 secondary & 1 young adults)
* 4 non-families
EER: 5.5
Whilst all care has been taken to ensure accuracy in the preparation of the particulars herein, no warranty can be given, and interested parties must rely on their own enquiries. This business is independently owned and operated by Belle Property Canberra. ABN 95 611 730 806 trading as Belle Property Canberra.
