Aptly named Corella, this semi-rural property provides sanctuary for native birds as much as it does for those who call it home.
The dwelling is set right back in the north-east corner of the lot. Both the road and the neighbours are nowhere to be seen or heard.
Instead, you have the privilege of sharing all this space with over 130 different types of bird and myriad wildlife including the occasional passing koala and a neighbouring mob of kangaroos.
The results of almost two decades of site regeneration are evident as soon as you turn into the driveway. Established eucalypts are interspersed with emerging tallowoods along the driveway that intersects the property.
To the south, 135 productive olive trees are neatly arranged in rows. There is huge water storage and foresight in planning has taps conveniently dotted all over the property.
A permanent dam captures excess runoff and more importantly, it provides vital frog habitat in the native grasses, shrubs and trees planted here for this purpose.
Windbreaks planted along the northern and eastern boundaries attract many tiny birds. Enjoy observing the cheerful flutter and flashes of colour from wrens, finches and honeyeaters as they forage among the foliage.
In contrast, formally arranged native gardens and lawns cover the classic park-like northern side of the property. Ideal for an afternoon amble or Sunday stroll, this is a natural spectacle many years in the making yet requires minimal maintenance.
The strong relationship between the home and its surroundings is vital to its design. Large windows dominate the dwellings white rendered exterior. A verandah wraps around the north and east facing sides giving the impression of a contemporary country homestead.
Entry is via the covered deck area, partially covered and protected from the elements, making it one of many wonderful alfresco entertaining areas.
The front door opens into an impressive glass corridor that seems to completely blend into the surrounding gardens and provides wide scenic views. This connects to the open plan lounge and dining room where high ceilings, a light neutral palette and a mixture of new carpet and tile floors unfold, all bathed in natural light.
The mood inside the home is informed by the external conditions. Designed with passive solar principles in mind the temperature remains moderate year round.
Each of the many large windows is like a framed, luminous landscape. Composed of layers, a foreground of gardens, leafy middle and right out to the distant mountains along the horizon. These long, wide scenes exaggerate the perceived internal scale, so spaces inside the home feel limitless and truly open.
The secluded parents retreat is made up of a study, bedroom, large walk-in wardrobe and ensuite. This wing kicks off the southern side of the central lounge and dining space.
On the opposite side, a casual meals area blends with the kitchen in a bright, refreshing space illuminated by a high gable window. Presented in all whites, the kitchen is designed to be as practical as it is stylish. A central island bench offers preparation space next to the Kleenmaid induction cooktop and Blanco dual burner gas stove with an overhead extractor fan. Other appliances include a Kleenmaid wall oven and Bosch dishwasher.
There is plenty of storage space in the walk-in pantry where more benchtop space is surrounded by easily accessible solid built-in shelving.
Three additional bedrooms, including a guest bedroom with an ensuite have ceiling fans and built-in cupboards. Arranged beyond the casual meals area, a central hall with a glass cut out for natural illumination, connects the bedrooms with the three-way bathroom at the end. The large laundry is accessible off the hall next to a double door linen cupboard for convenience.
Other features this outstanding family home offers include ducted zoned air-conditioning, a wine cellar, mud room, a hard wired surround sound system with ceiling speakers, a reliable NBN connection and fixed network cabling throughout the home.
There is an enclosed private courtyard filling in the space hugged by the parents retreat, a dining space and an ironing room. This is another comfortable alfresco area, protected from the elements for year round enjoyment, with its own adjacent powder room.
Leafy established gardens are visible over the walls and tall mature trees are dotted about the fenced-in yard beyond, obscuring a five bay machinery shed with a large gravel parking/turning area in front. Behind is a large modern greenhouse and potting shed plus three raised veggie gardens and triple bay compost.
Enjoy an abundance of fresh fruit from the orchard; choose from a variety of citrus, figs, mulberries and macadamias. A range of herbs are just in front of the kitchen to complete the home-grown range.
Other outdoor features include a 5kW roof top solar system, near new fencing and gates around the property, underground three phase power plus recently replaced guttering and downpipes.
Corella offers its new owners the opportunity to move into a home where all the work has already been done. Instead, simply relax and enjoy the tranquil semi-rural setting and a quality of living that most of us only dream about.
SMS Corella to 0428 166 755 for a link to the on-line property brochure.
