This is a love story. It is also a legacy story. It is a story of unwavering faith and a crystal clear vision. Its pages are filled with backbreaking toil and moments of despair, and culminate in one couple's dreams of raising their family surrounded by nature's beauty in a peaceful sanctuary. 20 Years ago, a young Adrian and Tammy found this virgin rainforest block, their heads full of dreams, while their families fretted that they had lost their minds. They explored, scouted, and surveyed the property on foot with a machete in hand, hand-clearing four possible building sites before deciding on the final house location. Completely private, the perfect balance of elevation, breeze, and outlook. Three years of construction, a period of such determination and clarity, resulted in a once-in-a-lifetime home in the forest.
A sophisticated blend of modern convenience and a relaxed rainforest lifestyle, the home comprises three main pods connected by over 200 sqm of kwila decking, all under a roof resting on solid 200 x 200 spotted gum posts. The rainforest offers an unblemished view from every angle, whilst being set well back from the home to provide plenty of natural light and sunshine, and ample hardstand and soft grassy areas.
The central pod is the main living room, with a 3.6 metre ceiling height, which flows from the front bi-fold glass door across the tongue and grooved blackbutt flooring to the large rear deck, where most of the living is truly done. The 1945 New Crown Dover 5-burner wood-fired oven is not only a nod to the past, but a practical and ambient accessory. The kitchen features an Italian-made 5-burner Glemgas freestanding oven along with a Smeg dishwasher and loads of cupboards and workspace. The loungeroom space and internal dining are rarely used. Mother Nature takes the spotlight here.
Pod two is the master suite with 35 sqm internally and 21 sqm of private balcony. It is bigger than many city apartments. It is all rainforest view with nearly 5 metres of bifold glass opening. The semi-open ensuite is a practical plan for the tropics. Entry to this pod is via a bridgeway over a rainbow and gold fish-filled pond. It would make a lucrative Airbnb if that was your thing.
Pod three houses the three queen-sized family and guest bedrooms along with the guest bathroom. Each bedroom occupies a corner of the pod, allowing double windows to soak in the outlook. The guest bathroom is here, as well as the internal entry from the multi-car undercover parking. The entire home is fully air-conditioned. The quality of the finish and fitout does not waver.
The property has no fewer than 5 seasonal and 2 permanent creeks running through it. The main swimming hole has a grassy picnic area where the family will often take a picnic for a weekend swim. Transiting across the property, you will get acquainted with the red-legged Paddy Melons, striped possums, orange-footed scrub fowl, and a cassowary or two. You won't be able to miss the abundant Ulysses butterflies and birds of Paradise, but if you look a little closer, you may find white-lipped giant tree frogs and Boyd's forest dragons. Many people would agree that these make for better neighbours than humans do.
A clearing in the rainforest reveals a tropical fruit orchard with many rare and exotic fruit trees. Think Guava, Rambutan, Jackfruit, and Mangosteen in three varieties. Star Apple, Mango, Papaya, tea and coffee. This is a small sample of over 60 varieties of rare and exotic fruits. The current owners also have chickens and pigs that clean up the excess in the fruit supply.
This property is located just 15 minutes from schools, hospitals and all services. It is a very rare offering, and though the word unique is overused, this property fits the brief. Most people would not have had the vision, fortitude or pure grit that it takes to create such a beautiful tropical rainforest haven. The hard work is now finished. All that is left is to move in and enjoy the fruits of another's labour.
Contact Michael Skuse