A day begins at ‘Arukah’. You hear the faint rustling of leaves in the tall trees. How will you and your friends or guests spend the day at your private hideaway? Perhaps you’ll explore the extensive walking trails and picnic by a waterfall or swimming hole. Maybe you’d prefer to cycle or saddle up for a long ride.

Then again, coffee or lunch at Exeter just a few minutes away could be equally appealing. ‘Arukah’ offers everything that makes a tree-change worthwhile.

A STRIKING HOME HAND CRAFTED FROM BLUESTONE AND RECYCLED TIMBER: When I first saw ‘Arukah’ it took my breath away. Entering the home via impressive double cedar front doors reveals an enormous 90sqm living area, overlooked by a loft large enough for a billiard table. Exposed stonework, recycled timber bridge beams, a romantic open fire with raised hearth and a ceiling that soars over 6 metres set the scene. Nearby, a superb timber and stainless steel kitchen blends perfectly with ‘Arukah’s’ rugged individuality. Outside, open decks and flowing lawns complete the picture. To the front, the property looks over to the post and rail fences of a stunning thoroughbred horse stud.

MASTER BEDROOM: One word comes to mind. Large. The master suite with its oversized bathroom and walk-in wardrobe overlooks one of ‘Arukah’s’ dams and bushland to the east.

GUEST OR FAMILY BEDROOMS: Three more king-size bedrooms with massive built-ins are located in a separate wing, making them ideal for family or guests. How will you use this part of the home? With its 10 metre living area, massive bathroom and laundry, it certainly lends itself to a possible B&B usage, subject to council approval.

ADVANCED ENVIRONMENTAL THINKING: When planning “Arukah”, the owners committed themselves to stand alone solar power with a back-up generator. They tell me that water is never a problem, thanks to massive 125,000 litre tank capacity from the house and a further 10,000 litres from the coach house. Power is available to the property, so you could always connect and resell your power to the grid – the owners have fully investigated the possibilities and estiamtes are in hand.

COACH HOUSE AND STABLES: The 10 metre x 12 metre coach house was built to match the home and features a full bathroom, wood-fired stove, and two lofts. There is also stabling and tack room in a separate building.

THE ULTIMATE FAMILY RETREAT OR PERFECT B&B? I fell in love with ‘Arukah’. Spacious, individual and welcoming, it is the indeed the ultimate tree change, a perfect southern highlands retreat for nature lovers, horse lovers and lovers of relaxed living. Alternately, it could lend itself to use as a unique B&B offering guests a chance to experience the beauty of the Australian bush by day and the indulgence of some of the state’s finest rural restaurants by night.

The owners are moving interstate and will consider all serious offers, so it is definitely worth inspecting this standout property. Please call me, John Young, at Century 21 Bowral on (02) 4862 1955 to arrange your viewing of ‘Arukah’.