All about lifestyle

all about lifestyle This stunning rural retreat boasts energy-efficient initiatives and sleek contemporary design.

By Sue Turpie - Photography by Loft Image

When dreaming of that great tree escape, the mind wanders to undulating landscapes, picturesque bushland, and a home that perfectly balances quality, individuality, and comfort. This immaculate property nestled in the heart of Axe Creek and a convenient drive from amenities, has been built to be aesthetically pleasing while at its heart is the want to play its role in minimising our effect on the environment. For homeowners Geoff and Judy Hulme, the design of the property was born from the couple’s desire to have an energy-efficient property that was also off-grid. This goal was achieved with the assistance of their son-in-law who specialises in this style of design. The couple undertook extensive research and also found the government-produced book, Your Home: Australia’s guide to environmentally sustainable homes, was an invaluable resource. Planned and constructed with passive design principles, the energy efficient home focuses on renewable energy sources to provide household heating, cooling, ventilation, and lighting. The contrasting materials sit harmoniously together creating a build that is strikingly modern but with individual additions giving the home its own personality. The exterior boasts corrugated iron and powder-coated finish in grey and white, with a black roof and window fittings, standing out against the muted tones of the surrounding native flora. Step through the double front doors to the atrium which provides the first glimpse of the home’s impressive raked-ceiling, exposed brick walls and polished concrete flooring. “The brick wall is passively energy-efficient,” Judy says. “When the sun hits the brick wall it absorbs the heat and then releases it at night. If it’s a sunny day, then we don’t need a fire to keep the house warm and the home stays around 20-22 degrees.” The spacious open-plan living, dining and kitchen areas are encompassed by large windows, with every room in the home offering a spectacular view over the property. The north-facing home is orientated to make the most of the solar gains, with windows allowing winter sun

in and the roofline defending the harshness of the summer sun. “The windows face true north, so we get the lower winter sun but not the hot summer sun, to heat up the concrete floors,” Judy explains. The kitchen includes a 900mm oven, with gas cook-top, dishwasher, double sink, and large island bench, complete with breakfast bar seating. Connecting through the kitchen is the butler’s pantry, with a sink, fridge space and storage, which also doubles as the mud room and leads outside to a two-car carport. The large main bedroom is situated on the eastern side of the home together with the second living space – the formal sitting room. Behind the bedhead wall is a smart ensuite, separate toilet and walk-in robe. The remaining three bedrooms are situated at the west of the home with the main bathroom. The bathrooms feature beautiful vanities with wooden bench-tops, white floor-to-ceiling tiles and contrasting black tapware. The home also has a split system, overhead fans and a wood fire heater for all year comfort, as well as a solar power system and battery, with a back-up generator providing standalone power. Positioned on a corner block, the 6.8 hectares of land is fenced with a drought-tolerant landscaped garden surrounding the home, and a large 17 x 7 metre workshop with cement floor nearby and an adjoining 90,000L rainwater tank. “It was a bare paddock with hardly a tree and we’ve done all of the planting and brought it back to what it is now,” Judy says. “We wanted to take in the views. Our last home on the Gold Coast was on a couple of acres and we had bush and a creek. We knew we didn’t want to live too close to other properties. “The home is also completely off-grid. The waste feeds the orchard, and we have a solar system and water tank. The only thing we have to pay for is gas as we have a gas booster hot water service and cooking appliances. We haven’t had an electricity bill for five years which is fantastic.” Situated in the lovely community of Axe Creek, there is a thriving primary school with 60 children and a community playgroup just down the road. “It backs onto the forest and there are bushwalks through there, as well as lots of native animals and birdlife.” As agent Tim Noonan says, the home provides an idyllic lifestyle. The property is for sale through Waller Realty. Phone Tim Noonan on 0413 464 949 for further details or to arrange an inspection.

CROOKED KITCHEN

GLUTEN-FREE | ORGANIC | HEALTHY CHOICE CAFÉ

We are Bendigo’s only completely gluten-free take-away café with a wide range of options no matter your dietary needs. We have a passion for rustic, café style food with organic, local produce delivered with friendly service.

crookedkitchenbendigo.com

MS BATTERHAMS

WINE | COCKTAILS | EUROPEAN INSPIRED MENU

Ms Batterhams is the new girl with a past. Set in the basement of the old school hall at Mackenzie Quarters and converted into a sophisticated yet unpretentious lounge bar. Open Thursday - Sunday for lunch and dinner and all day dining on the weekend.

mackenziequarters.com

CAFE ISTANBUL

TURKISH KEBABS | SALAD | GF & VEGETARIAN OPTIONS

Offering delicious freshly homemade breads, dips, salads, baklava and turkish delights. Our local favourite kebabs are made from real lamb shoulder in 3 sizes including; jumbo, regular and mini. HSPs, burgers and falafel also available.

STAR CINEMA

BENDIGO’S ONLY BOUTIQUE CINEMA

Plush couches, a licensed bar and an amazing programme of current and classic films for the discerning film enthusiast. Operating in the grand old Eaglehawk Town Hall, we screen 7 nights a week plus matinees Friday to Sunday.

starcinema.org.au

MICK’S FRESH FISH & TAKEAWAY

FISH & CHIPS | HAMBURGERS | SALADS | DINE-IN

The seafood used in our takeaway, dine-in dishes and sold to public, is purchased fresh and direct from the Melbourne fish markets. Come and try our delicious food, just across from Lake Weeroona. Gluten-free options available.

micksoceanfresh.com.au

SMOOTH ‘N’ SILKY

BROW & WAX BAR | BEAUTY SERVICES | BARBER

The team at Smooth ‘N’ Silky are specialised in eyebrow threading and shaping, lash lift and tinting, brow lamination, Brazilian waxing, Dermalogica facials and permanent hair straightening. Full barber services available.