What a wonderful example of how to create “The Good Life” in a sunny corner of suburban Blackheath! This charming cedar cottage has a glorious aspect and is set in a food garden paradise (created along permaculture principles), on a long, gently sloping block with two street frontages. Clever design and an eye for sustainability packs a lot into this property, including three tanks (totaling 20,000 L) that harvest rainwater from the roof and carport, numerous nooks to enjoy the garden, and a delightful mix of native and exotic plantings that create a sheltered, productive, private oasis situated in a lovely neighborhood, within strolling distance from stunning cliff top views and bushwalks.
The house is a winter suntrap – light pours through a beautiful bay window and floor to ceiling glass into the north-facing living areas. The wrap-around south and north facing veranda (with it’s pretty, private outlook over the garden and treetops), can be enjoyed year-round. In summer the generous veranda is sheltered with removable shade that keeps the house airy and cool. Inside, a lovely flowing internal layout, timber floor boards, under-floor insulation, wood fire and gas bayonet heating and a bright, sunny kitchen make this an attractive, inviting and comfortable home. There are two bedrooms with built-ins, plus a large study. Beneath the house is a versatile room that could easily be adapted as an office, gym or retreat, and there is also the bonus of a mass of under-house storage space.
In the garden, a plumbed and insulated chook shed, ponds, established espaliered fruit trees and berries, timber compost bays and well nurtured vegetable beds make this a sustainable gardener’s dream. The food garden is kept thriving by gravity fed rainwater tanks, plus watering of the exotics can be complemented by grey water from the house.
If all the rewards of a country life calls but you don’t wish to sacrifice the enjoyment of town living – proximity to schools, transport and village life – this could be the perfect property for you.