636 The Scenic Road, Macmasters Beach
WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL... Set upon 40.97 acres of lush paddocks, serene palm groves, and native vegetation that Magpies, Yellow-Bellied Gliders, Tiny Feather Gliders, Bandicoots, Kookaburras, Kingfishers, frogs and small marsupials also call home, this wonderful property sets the benchmark for native Australian-living. Designed by architect Francis Fong, whose brief was to provide a luxurious and modern home for those inside, whilst ensuring the sense of being in the Australian bush. At all times you’ll feel the clever balance between the privacy of a home and the freedom of the outdoors. The house has been designed to ensure that no matter which room you are enjoying, you can appreciate the setting, the bush and water views, the sounds and the sea breeze.
THE HOME... The home consists of two “pods” which are seamlessly connected but also provide the opportunity to be independent from one another. Constructed with Colorbond walls and roof on a steel frame set upon part-slab and part-suspended floor, the “frontline” of the indoors and out are dramatic double-glazed windows. They not only frame the wonderful view, but as commercial-grade glass also provide insulation and excellent UV and fire protection. The property operates “off the grid” for total independence. Powered by cost efficient solar electricity that further enhances the property’s sustainable credentials, there is also a back-up diesel generator that automatically starts when necessary. The water supply is equally sustainable: you can enjoy the rainwater from the small pod roof, take a tranquil moment to pump rainwater to the supply tank on top of the hill, or utilise the connection to town water (although this will very rarely be required). For the summer, there is ample electricity to run air-conditioning should you choose, however, the house design entices even the faintest of breezes thus naturally maintaining the temperature and ambience of the home. There are also 42,000 litres of water beneath the house dedicated to the sprinkler system, which act as a moderating thermal mass. For the winter, you can utilise the natural resources on the land and enjoy the two wood combustion stoves, including the wonderful French Chiminee Philippe main fireplace in the living room. It is quite evident that every thought has been given to creating a harmonious and sustainable lifestyle in deep privacy in building this home.
The living areas are of generous proportions. In the main pod there is a huge combined living/dining area together with a 70 square metre enclosed courtyard, whilst the retreat in the second pod takes full advantage of the stunning vista. There are two kitchens, one in each pod, both with Caesar stone bench-tops. The main pod features Caesar stone benchtops, a dual-drawer Fisher and Paykel dishwasher, a stainless steel Miele rangehood and an Ilve six-burner gas hob and oven. The second pod features polished concrete benchtops, a Miele gas cooktop and rangehood plus a cast iron Bakers Oven which is both a heater and oven in winter and makes wonderful slow foods. Spotted gum adorns the floors throughout the home, except for the tiled bathrooms. The bathrooms feature European fixtures and fittings, with the main bathroom highlighted by the Janet Hoyer Cobb artwork behind the shower wall. Soft lighting and the smell of red cedar enhance a luxurious soak for two in the German enamel bath, and double doors the length of the bath that open out onto the deck and magnificent lake-views.
FACTS, FIGURES & FEATURES... - Land size: 40.97 acres - Pod 1 Living area: 184 square metres, including a 17 metre deck, plus 70 square metre enclosed courtyard - Pod 2 Living area: 94.5 square metres - 20 square metres of under floor storage and fire bunker - Total enclosed living and courtyard area of 368.5 square metres - 42,000 litres of water under house dedicated to sprinkler system - Solar power system (panels, inverter and batteries) with back-up diesel generator - Septic tank sewerage - Tank and town water - Fire-protection system: petrol motor and pump, two 21,000 litre water storage tank, two hose reels, one tanker connection point, sprinklers on the house and three sprinkler stands, plus fire bunker - Baker’s oven - Chiminee Philippe combustion stove - Spotted gum flooring
A FEW WORDS FROM THE OWNER... The Initial Attraction: “I was first attracted to the intact ecology. It is rare and to be cared for. For our family, we saw it as a place of freedom away from outside influences for the children to grow up in. It is a magical environment to be explored and nurtured. To see stag horns, birds nest ferns and orchids begin life as though spontaneously and to watch them grow.” The Lifestyle: “The lifestyle is one of privacy and nature. It is so close to shops (4 km) and the beach (1 km) yet hidden from the world. There is no water or electricity usage to identify my presence. I can see the lake, but only the lights of the house at night can be seen from across the lake. From the air, it is all trees, yet on the ground there are openings in the canopy that create glades of sunlight. It is truly a place for artists to find inspiration.”
Every thought has been given to creating a harmonious and sustainable lifestyle.
A FEW WORDS FROM THE OWNER continued... The Ecology: “I have nurtured the native vegetation for the sake of the animals. The Australian Museum has surveyed frogs here, and local council has surveyed small marsupials and bats. Kookaburras nest in hollow trees in front of the house practicing their “laugh”. “There are magnificent old habitat trees and a continuum of canopy and underbrush to allow animals to move to other intact habitats nearby and so keep gene pools healthy.” “The frogs bring me such delight. The “waddy” at the foot of the rock wall has been designed with pits under the rocks to hold water in dry times for their seclusion.”
It is a magical environment to be explored and nurtured.
A FEW WORDS FROM THE OWNER continued... The Neighbours: “My neighbours are friendly, outgoing and social yet respecting of privacy. I know they would help immediately if I called.” The Locale: “The beach and the coffee (and Friday dinners) at the surf club are local secrets. Get there by canoe or the lake edge.” “For a sophisticated breakfast, go to Hardy’s Bay, 7 km up the road. It is a great spot to take visitors for a little shopping and a coffee after a walk to the Hawkesbury headland or a snorkel in Maitland Bay.” Single Piece of Advice: “In fine weather, summer and winter, sleep with the doors wide open to enjoy the sounds of the night and wake to the vitality of the bush air.”
Sit at the waterfront and ponder the world.
A FEW WORDS FROM THE OWNER continued... The Property: “You meander to the house along an all weather road, leaving the outside world behind. One hundred yards down the hill, through the citrus orchard and across the little creek is the paddock with the fire pit. Here friends can pitch a tent and many a picnic and evening barbeque has been had around the open fire pit.” “The paddock wanders on to end at a magical palm grove, beyond which the property is wooded right up to the suburb of Copacabana. There are open sunlit glades to be discovered as you walk and it is a quick paddle by kayak across the lake to the ocean. You may prefer to paddle up the creek to silently glide close to the wildlife.”
Enjoy the sounds of the night and wake to the vitality of the bush air.
THINGS TO ENJOY... The stars through the hole in the canopy Sounds of frogs in the evening Sitting at the waterfront and watching the world drift by Opening your eyes to the sunrise through the trees On a still night, hearing waves crash on the beach Feeling the gentle breeze as you take a warm bath Leaving the world behind as you drive into the property The paddock is a place for friendships where you can picnic in summer, and use the fire-pit in the winter, staring into the flames as you sip mulled wine Watching the water dragons as they leap from the bridge
It is a place of freedom away from outside influences.
A property designed and built with such respect and sympathy for its surrounds yet so ideally suited to modern and contemporary living.
CONTACT: Michael Marquette Mobile: 0433 170 170 Email: michael@marquetteturner.com.au Tel: 1300 737 778
Fax: 1300 767 926
CONTACT: Rhys Donnellan Mobile: 0418 486 709 Email: info@clearpoint.com.au Tel: 1300 325 327
Fax: 1300 325 329
clearpoint.com.au
WEBSITE: http://636-the-scenic-road-macmasters-beach.marquetteturner.com